Retail sales plunged another record amount in April, and even though some stores are beginning to reopen, retailers are worried. The pandemic has already pushed long-struggling retailers such as J. Crew, J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus into bankruptcy—to avoid further carnage, one group is asking for help.
The International Council of Shopping Centers, which represents 70,000 members including mall operator Simon Property Group, is airing its first national broadcast campaign. Called “Your Business,” the 30-second spot highlights the plight of the restaurants, retailers, hair salons and fitness clubs that exist in malls in the U.S.
“These businesses in your shopping centers across America are the backbone of our communities and the soul of our cities,” a voiceover says, noting that such businesses are in need of assistance. “Ask congress to create a COVID-19 recovery fund,” the voiceover says.