REITs Becoming Retailers: Mall Owners Are Looking To Acquire Struggling Retailers

What's Inside

Amid the rise of bankruptcies in the retail industry and increasing brick-and-mortar store closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, we discuss a selection of US retailers that are potentially facing acquisition by mall owners—and we analyze the strategy behind REITs becoming retailers. In doing so, we explore the following topics:

• How mall owners could benefit from acquiring retailers such as JCPenney
• Current acquisition talks and REIT joint ventures—including those involving Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners
• Recent retail acquisitions by mall owners—including of Aéropostale and Forever 21
• Implications for brands, retailers and real-estate firms

Read our recent report on the US department-store sector for more information on the post-coronavirus retail outlook.