5 Proven Ways LED Digital Signage Boosts Leasing and Retention
In my 13 years in the digital signage industry, I’ve seen buildings win and lose deals in the lobby.
Today modern tenants expect more, leasing cycles are tighter, and buildings that rely on outdated lobby displays are falling behind compared to their competition. As a result, owners and managers must rethink how their spaces communicate value from the moment someone walks in.
When I talk to current and new customers, I always impart that digital building displays aren’t just a nice visual upgrade—they deliver strategic advantages for leasing teams and building owners. Smart digital lobbies create better first impressions, communicate value instantly, and deliver a measurable return on investment.
Let’s dive into what occupiers are looking for in properties in 2025 and beyond—and how LED digital signage can help them fill spaces and retain the best tenants.
What Tenants Want in 2025 and Beyond
In a competitive CRE market, aesthetics alone won’t win tenants. In other words, looks matter—but not as much as how a building makes people feel and interact.
According to a 2025 survey by Cushman & Wakefield and CoreNet Global, 85% of tenants now expect more than just office space—they want experience, convenience, and connection.
Equally important, nearly half of them are willing to pay more for properties that deliver that experience.
If your lobby feels static or outdated, prospects are going to notice. Because at the end of the day, they want to walk into living, breathing information hubs that signal energy and professionalism.
Your Lobby: A Strategic Sales Tool
Think of your lobby as your 24/7 digital spokesperson. It should elevate tours, support leasing, and engage current and prospective tenants—not turn them away.
Here are four key features that make signage work harder for you:
- QR-Code Enabled Leasing Tools: Let walk-in prospects view floorplans, tour your available suites, and broker contact info instantly.
- Building Highlights: Promote amenities, sustainability certifications, renovation milestones, or services that differentiate your asset.
- Real-Time Information: Display dining, weather, transit, and local events to create an active community feel.
- Tenant Storytelling: Celebrate tenant wins and milestones to foster loyalty and connection.
Property and leasing teams both benefit from the ease that digital signage offers. Content updates are quick and flexible. Furthermore, digital signage captures walk-through prospects even when brokers aren’t onsite. It’s a win-win for all.
Case Study: How Digital Signage Delivers Value, Fast
When I think about how digital signage delivers fast value, one customer story that stands out is Carlyle Overlook in Alexandria, Virginia.
They installed a large video wall in their main lobby—to stunning effect. Most importantly, the uplift for the property team was pretty immediate. The building reached 95% occupancy shortly after installation, and tenants use the display daily for news, transit, and curated art.
TouchSource partnered with the property’s architect from concept to installation to ensure the new digital signage installation was integrated and impactful, and most importantly, an influencing feature for potential tenants and visitors.
That’s what happens when digital design meets leasing strategy.
👉See more Customer Success Stories.
Ways to Justify Lobby Improvement Projects
When I talk with customers, one question always comes up: How do I justify lobby upgrades—like digital displays—to building owners? Many are under pressure to “do things on the cheap” with paper signs or printed directories. However, what seems like a cost-saving shortcut often leads to higher long-term expenses, slower operations, and missed leasing opportunities.
After years of working with property teams, I’ve found that digital signage delivers measurable value far beyond aesthetics. Here are five proven ways LED digital signage helps properties lease faster, retain tenants longer, and strengthen overall portfolio performance:
Faster Leasing Cycles
A modern lobby accelerates leasing decisions. With TouchSource potential tenants are able to easily view layouts and floorplans, and use on-screen QR codes to connect with leasing agents. Bottom line: When prospects feel connected to the building, they move from visit to lease faster.
Lower Operating Costs
Properties save $5,000–$15,000 per year by eliminating printed, one-dimensional directories and paper flyers. Content updates take seconds—no vendors, no reprints, no delays.
Tenant Retention
Retention has the biggest impact on NOI. One of my commercial real estate customers implemented a portfolio-wide welcome strategy across six buildings that focused on streamlined corporate branding. This made such an impression that overall vacancy was reduced by 12% in just one year. The takeaway? When tenants feel welcomed, seen and connected, they stay longer.
Brand Consistency Across Portfolios
Owners with multiple assets benefit from standardized signage. One platform = fewer errors, cleaner branding, and hours saved weekly by onsite teams. I often help property managers calculate the opportunity cost of manual updates (believe me, it adds up quickly).
Stronger Market Position
In cities like NYC, Chicago, Denver, and Dallas, Class A buildings compete fiercely. I’ve personally seen digital signage tip the scales in leasing decisions. When two buildings are equal on paper, the one with a better lobby experience usually wins.
More Benefits for Property Teams
While the financial case is strong, the other benefits property teams experience are just as meaningful:
- Improved Sustainability – Replace outdated lighting and boards with energy-efficient LED displays.
- Higher Broker Confidence – Modern tour experiences reflect well on brokers and accelerate deals.
- Better Communication – From emergency alerts to lobby events, information is always timely and accurate.
If you’re curious how ROI stacks up for your property, try our Digital Signage ROI Calculator to plug in your rent rate, portfolio size, and vacancy costs.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, digital signage is about more than technology—it’s about impact on leasing, retention, and how people feel when they enter your building.
Your lobby sets the tone for your brand, your tenant experience, and your business. It’s your one chance to make a powerful first impression.
At TouchSource, we help property teams turn lobbies into assets that work as hard as they do—beautifully, simply, and measurably.
➤ Exploring how to modernize your spaces? Contact TouchSource today.