Simon Property Group, the biggest U.S. mall owner, is expecting this year to be better than last, as some retailers start to think about opening new stores.

Simon Property Group, the biggest mall owner in the country, is expecting this year to be better than last, as some retailers start to think about opening new stores in its malls, and tenants are in a better position to pay their rent on time.

“The [retailers] that want to grow their business are excited,” CEO David Simon said Monday evening during a call with analysts. “The healthy retailers that believe in their business — believe in their plans — are making deals.” He later listed Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Primark as three examples of retailers that his team is in talks with for new locations.

However, he cautioned, “it’s going to take some time” to get back to 2019 levels.

Simon shares were up almost 3% in after-hours trading.

Simon’s remarks came after the mall owner on Monday reported weaker year-over-year profits and sales for the fourth and holiday quarter, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the industry, with many retail and restaurant tenants struggling to stay open for business.