Less shopping, and fewer hours to do it

In response to slower foot traffic, two major mall chains are shortening the hours their properties are open. Westfield Group shopping centers are opening half an hour later and closing half an hour earlier on weekdays, and lopping off half an hour on Saturdays; the policy applies to most of their locations nationwide. Last month Simon Group began closing 17 New England malls half an hour early, a policy it is extending to Pittsburgh and elsewhere.

Mall operators note that retailers are encouraging the shorter hours, although anchor tenants (like department stores) and restaurants, which independently set their hours, may not follow suit.