CBL promotes local businesses at malls
CBL Properties is launching a new campaign highlighting the local impact of its shopping centers in their communities. Across its portfolio, CBL properties house more than 1,300 locally owned businesses.
“Customers don’t always realize that when they visit their hometown mall, they are supporting local businesses,” said Stephen Lebovitz, chief executive officer for the Chattanooga-based CBL. “By visiting their local CBL mall they are bringing to fruition the dreams of local entrepreneurs, contributing to the funding of critical school and community programs through sales and ad valorem tax, helping local non-profit organizations and creating job opportunities for their friends and neighbors employed at or around the mall.”
CBL’s properties collectively employ an estimated 100,000 people across 24 states and generate $284 million in annual sales, contributing nearly $70 million in annual property taxes as well as millions of dollars in annual sales tax that fund vital programs in their communities, Lebovitz said. The company’s malls and retail centers hosted over 350 community and other events in a typical year before COVID-19.
“Our properties are where people work their first job or build lifelong careers, they are hubs of social interaction, and community partners providing support to local non-profit organizations,” Lebovitz said.