Glimcher reaches 50-year mark

Columbus, Ohio Glimcher Realty Trust announced Tuesday that it is celebrating its 50-year anniversary, launched a half-century ago by Herb Glimcher as a building supply company that evolved into a shopping center development company that today owns and manages 21.7 million sq. ft. of retail space in 26 properties located in 14 states.

Since its beginnings, Glimcher has evolved its real estate portfolio from community shopping centers to enclosed malls. Along the way, Glimcher has pioneered the introduction of wireless Internet, mobile marketing and many green energy initiatives.

Herb Glimcher retired from the company’s management team in 2005 and his son Michael P. Glimcher took over as CEO.

In November, Glimcher said it will commemorate the 50th anniversary by completing 50 acts of community service in 50 days. Additionally, the company is partnering with the United Way in 20 cities to give back and thank local communities for their support. The corporate office and each mall location will lead a food drive to collect 50,000 lbs of food for area United Way food banks.