EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

Ahold and Delhaize approve company merger

Ahold and Delhaize shareholders approved the merger of the two companies last month, leaving approval from competition authorities in the United States and Europe as the final hurdle. Pending the necessary approvals, the deal is expected to close this summer. In order to help facilitate the approvals, both chains are offering a combined 83 stores […]

Apollo Global Management to buy The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market announced last month that it would be acquired by Apollo Global Management for about $1.36 billion. In addition, The Fresh Market Chairman Ray Berry, along with his son Brett, will roll over “the vast majority” of their company holdings with Apollo. The Berry’s currently own about 9.8% of the company stock. Apollo […]

Kohl's Is Trimming Some Stores

Fortune Article Kohl’s (KSS) will close 18 stores in 2016 in anticipation of another year of meager sales gains. The number may not sound huge, but it’s the first time the retailer has had a store-closing campaign. Earlier this month, the chain reported comparable sales rose a modest 0.4% during the holiday season. Now the department store expects […]

Stein Mart Expanding

Jacksonville Business Journal Article Stein Mart’s big expansion, several new stores coming Jacksonville-based Stein Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: SMRT) will open five new stores this spring with plans to open a dozen by the end of 2016. The five stores that will open this spring will be in Denver Colo.,Philadelphia Pa., Madison Wis., Naples Fla. and […]

The Fresh Market Bought Out by Apollo Global Management

Specialty grocer The Fresh Market, which operates 186 stores in 27 states, says it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Apollo Global Management for approximately $1.36 billion. The announcement dismisses rumors that circulated earlier this year that the Greensboro, North Carolina-based company likely would be purchased by The Kroger Co. It also will […]

Dick's Aiming for 36 New Stores in 2016

Design Retail Link Forbes Article What Sports Authority And Dick’s Sporting Goods Indicate About The State Of The Retail Industry A week after Sports Authority filed for bankruptcy, Dick’s Sporting Goods  announced plans to open 36 new stores. The two starkly contrasting news items send a message about the state of the retail industry today […]

Hancock Fabrics Bankruptcy Sale of Leases

The List of Stores Auction today for remaining Hancock Fabrics stores The future of Hancock Fabrics could be decided this morning in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, where an auction will be held for its remaining 190 stores. The Baldwyn-based fabrics and craft retailer filed for Chapter 11 restructuring in early February, and said it […]

Men's Wearhouse Closing Closing 80-90 Jos A Bank Stores

Also closing all outlet stores.  ICSC.org Article

Wegmans again named top supermarket in U.S.

Wegmans was recently named the top supermarket in the U.S. by the American Customer Satisfaction Index for the second consecutive year. Here is the list along with the scores. Wegmans – (86)Trader Joe’s – (83)H-E-B – (82)Publix – (82)Aldi – (81)Hy-Vee – (78)Kroger – (76)Delhaize (Food Lion / Hannaford) – (76)ShopRite – (75)Meijer – (74)Bi-Lo […]

Aldi accepting credit cards nationwide

Aldi made national news last week when it announced it would accept credit cards at its stores across the country. Until now the company accepted cash and debit cards, but didn’t want to pay the processing costs associated with credit. In 2014 Aldi tested credit card acceptance at stores in the Minneapolis, MN and Syracuse, […]