Crombie REIT

Crombie REIT is an unincorporated real estate business owned by Empire Company. They are based Atlantic Canada, however, they own most Sobeys, Freshco, and Safeway properties across Canada. They currently have properties in all 10 provinces. 
== History ==
On February 4th, 1964, Atlantic Shopping Centres Ltd was founded. One of their first enclosed malls was West End Mall, originally, they only operated shopping centres and shopping malls. But this changed later on. 
In 1989, Atlantic Shopping Centres was bought by Empire Company, who are known for owning Sobeys. After the acquisition, Atlantic Shopping Centres began operating various properties owned by Empire Company such as Sobeys, Empire Theatres, and Lawtons Drugs. 
In the early 2000s, Atlantic Shopping Centres name was changed to Crombie Properties, and later on, Crombie REIT. This name change reflected that Shopping Centres was no longer their priority. 
In the 2000s and 2010s, many of Crombie REIT's enclosed malls were becoming dated and neglected, during this time, some of their malls were sold off, and some, like Penhorn Mall or Sydney Shopping Centre were permanently closed and demolished. 
In 2012 and 2013, Zellers was liquidated because of the Target buyout, and all stores closed. Since many Crombie REIT owned malls had Zellers as an anchor, this negatively impacted the properties, most Zellers spaces were turned into other tenants or Target Canada. However, malls like County Fair Mall (New Minas) continued to have their Zellers vacant, which caused the malls to lose many tenants. 
In the 2020s, many Crombie REIT malls continue to be neglected, some exceptions include Avalon Mall and Scotia Square, both of these malls have received renovations within the last decade. However, Scotia Square has lost many national tenants within the last few years. 
In present day, Crombie REIT continues to be a successful entity, their priority has changed a lot within the last 20 years, they now focus on standalone properties and shopping centres instead of their enclosed malls. However, they own many properties and will continue to operate for many years to come. 
== Controversies ==
In late 2024, Crombie REIT banned the Salvation Army from having their donation workers set up at Avalon Mall. Which is Crombie REIT's only non-dead mall. According to Crombie REIT, it was because they wanted to disassociate the company from Christmas and any religions in general. However, due to a large amount backlash from the surrounding Saint John's area, the ban was lifted on November 27th, 2024 but only for the 2024 Christmas season, the ban will start again next year.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/salvation-army-back-avalon-mall-1.7394872
== Properties ==
Category:Canada
Category:Companies
Category:Mall Owners
Category:Mall Companies
Category:North America
Category:Retailers
Category:Franchises
Category:Brands