EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

New Store Announcements - Week of 8/29/11 & 9/5/11

  The last two weeks have proven to be slow when it comes to news…. here are some new store announcements:   Weeks of 8/29/11 and 9/5/11 Books-A-Million – Sumter, SC (Former Walden Books) Books-A-Million – Birmingham, VA (Former Joseph-Beth Booksellers) Dick’s – Peach Tree, GA hhgregg – Naperville, IL, Avg. 30,000 SF HomeGoods – […]

Fitness centers increasing their presence in shopping centers

CoStar reported that fitness centers, health clubs and gyms accounted for 8.8% of new leases signed so far this year by retail chains in the U.S., according to a story yesterday in The Wall Street Journal. At this point last year health clubs and gyms accounted for 7.9% of new leases by retail chains. U.S. […]

Costco's CEO to Retire

Costco’s co-founder, Jim Sinegal, who is known for his colorful personality and love for the $1.50 hot dog and soda, is retiring at the age of 76.  He is revered for not making decisions to appease Wall Street at the expense of his customers and employees.  This philosophy is an example of his well known […]

Survey says rental rates to spur more retail store openings

According to a survey of 100 retail chains by CB Richard Ellis, 59% of U.S. retailers plan to open more stores due to the attractive rental rates currently available. The survey also found that nearly all the retailers (94%) have been able to negotiate tenant improvements in their leases, including financial contributions from the landlord, […]

Fitch report keen on supermarkets, ShopRite named retailer of the year

According to a report from Fitch Ratings, supermarkets appear to be stabilizing after several tough years, thanks in large part to higher food prices. For the last few years, supermarkets have cut prices and increased promotions to combat increased competition from dollar stores and discounters. However, top grocery chains like Safeway, Supervalu and Kroger are […]

The Fresh Market reports profits and growth

Earlier this week, The Fresh Market reported strong sales and profits for the 13-week period ending July 31.  Net income for the company during the period was $10.5 million, and sales totaled $259.5 million. With comparable store sales up 4.6%, it was their seventh consecutive quarter of 4%-plus comps. In addition to income and sales […]

Hurricanes increase wine sales, not kiosks

Before we get to the hurricane, let’s talk about the wine kiosks… According to a special performance audit by PA Attorney General Jack Wagner, the Liquor Control Board’s wine kiosk program has fallen short of established goals. Currently there are 22 kiosks operating in supermarkets owned by Giant Eagle, Giant Food Stores, ShopRite, The Fresh […]

Whole Foods opens first membership-only wellness club

Back in February we learned that Whole Foods was planning to open Wellness Clubs in select stores. Last week, USA Today reported that the first club opened in Dedham, MA, and additional sites are coming soon at Whole Foods locations in Princeton, Manhattan (Tribeca), Chicago and Oakland. The membership-only clubs will cost $45 per month plus […]

New Store Announcements - Week of 8/22/11

Week of 8/22/11 Burlington Coat – Philadelphia, PA Burlington Coat – Royal Palm Beach, FL, 70,000 SF buybuy Baby – Inland, CA Christmas Tree Shops – Wallkill, NY Costco – Warminster, PA Giant Foods – Philadelphia, PA hhgregg (14 stores) – Chicago Region, IL Hobby Lobby – Salisbury, MD, 56,800 SF Home Goods – Tinley […]

Giant, Super Fresh and Bottom Dollar open in Philadelphia

In the last month, Giant, Super Fresh and Bottom Dollar have opened stores in Philadelphia. The Giant and Super Fresh stores are especially noteworthy. The new Giant location, which opened in Northeast Philadelphia in late July and measures 74,000 square feet, is the company’s first foray into the city. Developer Peter Abrams told the Philadelphia Inquirer […]