Simon Sues Starbucks Over Planned Teavana Closures

Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group filed a lawsuit to stop Starbucks Corp.’s plan to close its Teavana stores in Simon’s malls. The mall landlord alleges Starbucks would breach its lease obligations by closing Teavana outlets in 78 of its shopping centers.

Also contained in an 18-page complaint is an allegation that a public announcement about the closures by Starbucks in July caused “irreparable harm” to the value of Simon’s malls and its reputation. The Seattle-based retailer said in July it planned to close all 379 Teavana stores, citing weak foot traffic, particularly in malls, for the chain’s underperformance.

What is different about the planned closure of Teavana stores is Starbucks isn’t claiming bankruptcy or financial ruin, as has been the case with numerous other retail closings in recent years.

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About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Connect Creative. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 40 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect Creative’s agency client services and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from public relations and content strategy, communications and message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. Prior to joining Connect Media in 2015, his most recent corporate communications roles involved leading a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, playing a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest (BrightView), the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. He has worked on marketing communications assignments for such CRE companies as Blackstone/Equity Office, Carlyle, Caruso, Disney Resorts, GE Capital, Irvine Company, Hines, Howard Hughes Corp., Jeffries, Lennar, MGM, Marcus & Millichap, Prologis, Raleigh Studios, Simon, Starwood, Trammell Crow Company, Transamerica, UBS and Wynn Resorts. Dennis has also worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of consumer electronic, media and tech brands including SlingMedia, Channel Master, Deluxe Media Entertainment, BeIn Sports, EchoStar and Sprint. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Off Madison Ave., Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and the Thunderbirds Charities.

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Simon Sues Starbucks Over Planned Teavana Closures

Inside The Story

About Dennis Kaiser

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Simon Sues Starbucks Over Planned Teavana Closures

Inside The Story

About Dennis Kaiser