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Holiday Returns: Simon Malls Will Process Returns from Several Brands

Multi-brand returns are known to increase foot traffic.
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Francis Scialabba

less than 3 min read

Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know

Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.

These days, malls can’t lure shoppers with unlimited perfume spritzes and dressing room montages. What about a chance to return unwanted holiday gifts?

Concierge desks at six Simon malls will process returns for around two dozen retailers this holiday season, CNBC reports.

  • Shoppers can bring unboxed goods and a QR return code to Simon employees; then Simon’s team will process the return.
  • Gap, Levi’s, and Vera Bradley are among the brands participating in the first go-round.

Every sweater stitched with gamboling kittens could help Simon capture foot traffic, and maybe an impulse stop by AEO. Potential halo purchases are urgent: Earlier Covid-19 store closures dented occupancy and rent collection across Simon’s properties.

  • Other retailers have found piggybacking success: Kohl’s said traffic to its stores increased after it started processing Amazon returns.

One roadblock? Some states are resuming lockdowns as Covid-19 cases rise, and officials have yet to consider the Talbots-Hot Topic-Express strip essential. Already, Simon has reclosed a mall in El Paso, TX; CEO David Simon called it a sign malls are “being treated unfairly.”

Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know

Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.