Why does mall operator Simon want to buy rival Macerich? Think Tysons

With the circa-1960s formula of enclosed malls a dying concept, why in the world would Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group want to spend $22.4 billion to buy rival Macerich?

Think Tysons Corner Center — and other key, upscale jewels in Macerich’s mall portfolio.

The New York Times reports Simon Property Group’s key strategy is building and maintaining high-end malls — it has the upscale Forum Shops at the Caesars Palace Las Vegas and Florida’s Sawgrass Mills shopping center among its holdings…