Amazon Fulfillment Centers in Malls? Sounds Like a Desperation Move.

Recently, sector leader Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG) has had discussions with Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) about converting some department store space into fulfillment centers, according to The Wall Street Journal. Expanding into mall space formerly occupied by department stores could help Amazon in its efforts to meet surging demand and reduce shipping times. The underlying reason why Simon Property Group is interested in finding alternative uses for mall space is that mall owners have experienced a surge of anchor store closures.