Nation’s biggest mall operator shuts off lights for a while

Simon’s domestic properties are dark in the U.S. until the end of March.

Simon announced that after “extensive discussions with federal, state and local officials and in recognition of the need to address the spread of COVID-19,” it will close all of its retail properties in the U.S. until March 29.

“The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance,” CEO David Simon said in a statement.

A growing wave of retailers have temporarily closed their stores in recent days. But Simon is the first U.S. mall owner to make such a far-reaching move. It comes on the same day that the International Council of Shopping Centers issued a statement urging the federal government to assist the retail real estate industry.