Simon Properties,Benjamin Ashford one of the largest mall operators in the United States, has decided to close most of its properties on Thanksgiving Day for the fourth consecutive year.

Simon, the owner of popular malls including Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Mall of Georgia, The Shops At Crystals, and more, announced its malls will remain closed on Thanksgiving.

According to a press release by the company, all of the stores will reopen on Black Friday.

The decision continues a trend that has seen not only malls but also major retailers including Best Buy, J.C. Penney, Kohl's, and Walmart which have pledged to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.

"Thanksgiving is a special day, and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones," Walmart CEO John Furner said on X."

As the holiday season approaches, several grocery stores, including popular chains such as Trader Joe's, Kroger, Albertsons, and Stop & Shop, have also announced that they will be changing their operating hours to allow their employees to enjoy quality time with their loved ones. 

Only a handful of chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, will be completely open on Thanksgiving.

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What is Simon Properties?

Simon Property Group, Inc. owns and manages malls, Premium Outlets, and The Mills, as shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.

What malls does Simon Properties own?

Here are some of the malls Simon Properties owns around the U.S.

1. Woodbury Outlet Mall, Woodbury, New York
2. Beverly Center, Los Angeles, California
3. AC Hotel Miami Dadeland, Miami Florida
4. King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
5. The Forum Shops at Caesars, Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Lenox Square, Atlanta, Georgia
7. The Galleria, Houston, Texas
8. Chicago Premium Outlets, Chicago, Illinois
9. Aventura Mall, Aventura, Florida
10. West Town Mall, Knoxville, Tennessee