It’s had a pretty noticeable effect on traditional retailers, who are struggling to keep up with the prices and selection that can be found online. In-person retailers are also struggling with how to keep employees and patrons safe during a viral pandemic, which has added another layer of complications. Simon Properties has holdings for 63 JC Penney and 11 Sears locations. Depending on what happens with talks between the companies — and what happens with the future of Sears — this could mean there’s space for about 75 mall warehouse locations across the nation. In the past, malls have attempted to fill the void left behind by shuttered department stores by allowing gyms or other large footprint businesses to open in empty anchor spaces. COVID has caused challenges with that, though — most gyms or kid-oriented arcades and restaurants are financially strapped due to the pandemic, and in many states, these businesses aren’t open or are only open in limited capacities. Plus, if new distribution centers are opened, it would mean more jobs. Given that the job market is extremely tough right now, this could mean positive economic gains and more jobs available in the areas where the distribution centers are placed. Would this move change the face of malls for good? Maybe — but malls have faced an evolution from high school hangouts to barren strips of shops in recent years anyway. At least the trade-off with this would be faster delivery, full retail spaces and more jobs.
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