By 1808Delaware
In a significant move signaling a deeper transformation within one of the nation’s major retail real estate firms, Washington Prime Group, LP — owner of Polaris Fashion Place and over 70 shopping centers across the country — is planning to permanently lay off 139 employees at its corporate headquarters in Westerville.
WARN Notice Reveals Timeline for Layoffs
The company disclosed the layoffs in a federally mandated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed with the state on April 2. According to the notice, the first separations are expected to begin on June 2, or within 14 days of that date, and continue in waves until March 31, 2026. The reductions in force are described as permanent, and none of the affected employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
HQ in Transition: Lease Terminated, Future Unclear
Adding to the uncertainty, Washington Prime is losing its headquarters office space at 4900 E Dublin Granville Road following the termination of its lease. The building, formerly Big Lots’ corporate headquarters, was acquired by OhioHealth in February 2025. While Washington Prime has not stated whether it will fully exit the Central Ohio market, it continues to operate offices in Indianapolis.
Strategic Downsizing in a Shifting Retail Landscape
The job cuts are part of a broader corporate strategy to streamline operations amid a changing retail landscape. In the past year, Washington Prime has sold approximately half of its property portfolio, and more asset sales are reportedly in progress. The company indicated that these steps are necessary to position itself for long-term stability.
Support for Affected Employees
Washington Prime has assured that it is offering severance packages, career transition assistance, and professional development resources to help employees through the process. Reductions will be handled “on an as-needed basis” and with sensitivity to those impacted.
An Industry in Flux
Washington Prime Group’s move is reflective of broader challenges in the commercial real estate and retail sectors, as shopping patterns shift and companies reevaluate their real estate footprints. As one of the largest retail real estate owners in the country, Washington Prime’s restructuring efforts may be a bellwether for others in the industry.
