What: SPG is not only a mall management company, but a retail investor.

Why it is important: Controlling retailers and brands which are presented in their premises is both a way to improve the value of said premises, while at the same time generating scale economies. Is that so different from the private labels business in department stores?

David Simon, CEO and president of the Simon Property Group, argues that his group, a leading company in worldwide mall management, is also moving forward in pure retail, through its investments in Authentic Brands Group, SPARC (which owns Forever 21, Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers) and J.C. Penney.

According to him, SPARC outperformed expectations, J.C. Penney (bought after ending up bankrupt) is now stabilized with a new CEO, Marc Rosen, and as a whole, these side activities contributed to 10% of the SPG share value.

David Simon insists on SPG being much more than just a mall company, and an astute investor too.

David Simon Looks at the Big Picture