Simon Property, Amazon look at turning mall space into fulfillment centers: WSJ

Reuters

Published Aug 09, 2020 02:38PM ET

Updated Aug 09, 2020 07:10PM ET

(Reuters) - Mall operator Simon Property Group Inc (NYSE:SPG) has been in talks with Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) about turning some of its department-store sites into Amazon fulfillment centers, The Wall Street Journal reported https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-and-giant-mall-operator-look-at-turning-sears-j-c-penney-stores-into-fulfillment-centers-11596992863?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=3 on Sunday.

The two companies have explored converting retail space formerly occupied by J.C. Penney Co Inc and Sears Holdings Corp into Amazon distribution centers, while in some cases, Simon and Amazon explored buying out occupied space from the retailers, the report said, citing sources.

Simon's discussions with Amazon have been under way for months and began before the coronavirus pandemic, according to the report.

It is possible that the two sides could fail to reach an agreement, the report said, citing the sources.