Once a retailer shares plans for a liquidation sale, it starts a process that shoppers need to be wary of. Yes, you can get great deals, but you can also end up stuck with defective items or overpaying for something advertised as a bargain. Having covered dozens of retail liquidation sales over the years, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat. Early “deals” often disappoint, while risks to buyers quietly increase as closures approach. “If you’re getting an $800 washing machine for $200, it might be worth it ...

Group 1 - Mall foot traffic rebounded sharply in October 2025, with significant year-over-year (YoY) and month-over-month (MoM) increases, indicating potential consumer enthusiasm for the holiday season [1][2] - All mall formats experienced YoY visit gains in October 2025, with indoor malls leading the growth, while open-air shopping centers and outlet malls returned to positive territory after four months of declines [2] - Despite increased foot traffic, it does not guarantee higher sales, as evidenced by the store closures of major retailers like Macy's and JCPenney [3] Group 2 - Dillard's reported a sales increase for the first time in a while, with a focus on controlling inventory, which ended up 2% compared to 6% at the end of the first quarter [6] - Several retailers are closing stores in 2025, including Forever 21, which is shutting down all 350 U.S. stores, and Claire's, which is closing 291 stores as part of restructuring [7] - Macy's plans to close 66 underperforming stores in 2025 as part of a larger strategy to reduce its footprint, with a total of approximately 150 stores set to close by 2026 [7]

Core Insights - IEM, a venture-backed retail innovation company, has partnered with Simon Property Group to create a new platform for high-growth brands to scale into brick-and-mortar retail quickly and flexibly [1][5]. Company Overview - IEM introduces 10x15-foot branded experiential "micro spaces" in high-traffic areas of malls, allowing brands to engage customers with physical products before purchase [3][6]. - The company offers a modular service menu, enabling brands to customize support in design, production, staffing, and operations, which reduces upfront investment and allows for rapid market entry [4][6]. - IEM has already partnered with six emerging brands, including OOFOS, Generation Tux, and Caddis Eyewear, with more brands set to launch in the near future [6][7]. Industry Trends - The initiative aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical retail, focusing on intelligent and flexible store openings that enhance customer experiences [5][7]. - IEM's model supports short-term leases and subsidized rents, allowing brands to test physical retail in a cost-efficient manner [7][8]. - The collaboration with Simon Property Group positions IEM within a network of top mall developers, enhancing its reach in high-performing retail environments [8][10].