While concerns have lingered in recent years about the surge of online shopping and effects of COVID-19 on the retail landscape, Simon Property Group malls and premium shopping outlets in Greater Boston have seen foot traffic and sales numbers that exceed even pre-pandemic numbers.

"In 2021, Simon revenue increased more than $500 million and cash flow increased $1.3 billion across the entire company portfolio," Laura Schwartz, Regional Vice President of Leasing for Simon tells GlobeSt.com. "These numbers tell a very different story than the one that people seem to think to be true regarding mall visitors in general. Our centers in Boston, in particular, are performing better overall now than they were pre-COVID."

In fact, Boston-area Simon mall sales are up 20% compared to 2019, and occupancy rate of all Greater Boston properties is well over 90%. Simon credits this success with its agility and forward-thinking strategy that has allowed the largest mall operator in the country to reinvest in its assets and create hospitality-driven destinations that allow for a better experience than shopping online.