Report: Simon to Reopen Some Shopping Centers
Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is planning to open nearly 50 malls and outlet centers throughout the country beginning this week according to a report from CNBC. The company last month closed more than 200 properties in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an internal memo obtained by CNBC, Simon plans to reopen 49 properties between Friday and Monday, including 10 in Indiana on Saturday.
The Indiana locations set to reopen include: Castleton Square, Circle Centre Mall, College Mall, Fashion Mall, Greenwood Park Mall, Hamilton Town Center, Indiana Premium Outlets, Lighthouse Place Outlets, Tippecanoe Mall and University Park Mall.
Indiana’s current stay at home order is set to expire on Friday. During his daily COVID-19 briefing, Governor Eric Holcomb said Simon did not have any advance knowledge of the state’s plans beyond that date, but he did not specifically say whether the malls would be allowed to reopen or remain closed.
The network says business hours at the reopened facilities will be limited from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The company says the locations will spend the overnight hours cleaning and sanitizing, particularly in high-touch areas, and is encouraging retailers to do the same.
The properties will be offering CDC-approved masks and hand sanitizer for free to patrons who ask for them, according to CNBC. Shoppers are also being encouraged to wear masks while they shop and Simon also plans to mandate its employees wear masks while working.
While the shopping centers will reopen, the retailers at those locations will still make the decision whether to reopen their stores.
A spokesperson for Simon has not responded to a request for comment from Inside INdiana Business.
You can read more from CNBC, including a full list of locations set to reopen, by clicking here.