EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

Lidl, Aldi's biggest competitor in Europe, to open U.S. stores

German discount supermarket chain Lidl, which has over 10,000 stores across Europe and is Aldi’s biggest competitor there, confirmed plans earlier this month for an American rollout. Klaus Gehrig, CEO of Lidl parent Schwartz Group, said that U.S. expansion was “in full swing” and that an office has been established in Arlington, VA. The company […]

Family Dollar Closing 370 Stores

“Family Dollar, a juggernaut of expansion in recent years, has announced plans to close 370 of its 8,100 stores in the second half of 2014 and slow its new store growth beginning in 2015 to 350-400 new stores per year, down from 525 new stores in fiscal 2014.” ICSC.org Article

Mrs. Green's opens 19th store, eyes 40 stores within a year

Mrs. Green’s Natural Market announced plans for major expansion last month, as the organic and natural food chain intends to open at least 20 new stores this year in the Northeast, Midwest and Canada. The growth plans are dramatic, considering the company opened its 19th store last month (in West Windsor, NJ). Store number 20 […]

Supermarkets among top retail chains in the world

A report published by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Stores Magazine last month claims that 32 of the 100 largest retail chains in the world are supermarket chains. And in the U.S., 20% of the retail chains on the top 100 list are supermarkets. The list includes the following grocery chains: Kroger – #5 Safeway – […]

Family Dollar adding 400 food items to its grocery section

Family Dollar reported last week that it plans to add more than 400 new food items to its grocery section and reduce prices on 1,000 other items as it seeks to increase store traffic and sales. Family Dollar currently operates about 8,100 stores, and customers across the country (like myself) still think the following dollar store dialog is funny: […]

Foodservice leads convenience store sales to record highs

Last week the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) reported that U.S. convenience stores had record in-store sales in 2013, with sales reaching $204 billion. The total represents a 2.4% increase over 2012. According to the NACS report, sales in 2013 were led by continued growth in foodservice, driven by prepared foods and commissary, as consumers […]

Lands End Separated From Sears Holdings

Sears Holdings has officially separated Lands End. Press Release Link Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) today announced that its pro-rata spin-off of Lands’ End, Inc. (“Lands’ End”) from Sears Holdings closed on April 4, 2014. Lands’ End has now been separated from Sears Holdings and its common stock is expected to begin regular-way trading on the Nasdaq […]

Update: Proposed Hamilton Crossings (Allentown/Trexlertown)

See the following Morning Call article giving an update on the proposed Hamilton Crossings in the Allentown/Trexlertown area. Morning Call Article

Wegmans On Top

Consumer Reports just found Wegmans to be the number one grocery store. Democrat & Chronicle Article Wegmans Food Markets has been ranked as the No. 1 supermarket in the country by customers in the latest Consumer Reports survey. The Gates-based grocer edged out Trader Joe’s, Publix, Costco, Sprouts, Tops Markets and 49 other grocery stores. More than […]

Shoe Carnival Opens 2 Stores in Detroit

Business Tribune Article Family Footwear Retailer Shoe Carnival Announces 10 New Stores in 8 Cities The popular family footwear retailer is putting their best foot forward this month as they announce the grand opening of 10 new stores in 8 different cities all opening their doors this March 2014. Shoe Carnival is excited to add […]