INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group has seen its stock
prices cut in half over the past several months. Like others in the
retail business, Simon hopes it can lure as many shoppers as
possible in the next several weeks.
As the largest mall owner in the country, Simon may be a giant
in the retail business but even giants are taking some hits in this
economy. Since the end of September, Simon's stock has fallen by
around 50 percent. It is a challenging time for retailers and for
those who house them.
"They have a lot of creativity in those leases and some
adjustments they can work out with the merchants. Some of the
override perhaps on sales volume may not be delivered, but they are
certainly strong enough to weather these kind of economic times,"
said L.H. Bayley, Chair of David A. Noyes & Company.
A Simon spokesperson declined to discuss the company's current
position in the market or how the stores in its malls performed
over the holiday weekend.
There was good news about weekend sales nationwide: the National
Retail Federation said the average shopper spent 7.2 percent more
than a year ago. Another industry group said sales the day after
Thanksgiving typically account for 10 percent of total holiday
sales.