Lawsuit claims Penn Square Mall owner using illegal tactics to block new retailers from opening at neighboring OAK
OAK shopping center is suing Penn Square Mall's owner, Simon Property Group, alleging anticompetitive tactics to prevent retailers from opening at OAK.Summary
OAK, a new shopping center in Oklahoma City, has filed a federal lawsuit against Simon Property Group, the owner of Penn Square Mall, accusing them of using illegal antitrust practices. The lawsuit alleges Simon Property Group leveraged its national market influence to pressure retailers into opening stores exclusively at Penn Square, or not opening in Oklahoma at all. Examples cited include threats to terminate leases at other Simon-owned malls if retailers like North Italia and Alo opened locations at OAK. OAK claims these tactics have resulted in lost revenue and hindered their ability to attract diverse retail brands. Simon Property Group denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless” and asserting that tenants freely choose their locations. Legal experts suggest Simon’s alleged behavior could violate the Sherman Antitrust Act, and OAK’s attorneys argue it represents a classic 'tying' arrangement that harms competition and consumers. The case highlights a pattern of previous antitrust violations by Simon Property Group.
(Source：Kfor)