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Hottest Retailers Unveiled During ICSC's Global Retail Real Estate Convention
(Business Wire - May 13, 2008)

According to a worldwide member survey by ICSC, nine retailers were chosen as the "hottest" concepts and will receive the award during ICSC's Global Retail Real Estate Convention, RECon, on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Hottest Retailers List after jump:)

Kroger Expands Discounted Generic Drug Program
(PR Newswire - May 13, 2008)

The retailer is offering 90-day prescriptions for only $10 on its expanded generic drug program. Kroger pharmacies are also increasing the number of women's health medications offered at a discounted price. The program is available at Kroger family stores nationwide under the following banners: Kroger, Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Hilander, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen's, Pay Less, Ralphs, Scott's, Smith's and QFC stores.

State Sticks Bloomington with Mall of America Tab
(McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- Unrestricted - May 13, 2008)

Restaurants, stores and bars in Bloomington would foot the bill to help subsidize the Mall of America's second phase under a new plan that won praise Monday from subsidy critics but drew a tepid response from the mall and officials in the city.

Retail Sales Dip for Second Time in 2 Months
(Associated Press - May 13, 2008)

Excluding autos, retail sales rose by 0.5 percent, a better performance than had been expected as sales at general merchandise stores, posted a 0.5 percent increase, much better than the tiny 0.1 percent rise in March.

Baskin-Robbins Plans 100+ New Stores in Houston Area
(PR Newswire - May 13, 2008)

Baskin-Robbins, America's favorite neighborhood ice cream shop, is rapidly expanding its Texas footprint with today's announcement that Houston is now open for franchise sales. More than 100 new stores are projected over the next several years throughout Greater Houston and the surrounding counties of Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, Montgomery, Waller, Brazoria and Walker.

Saks Leaving Galleria Mall
(McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- Unrestricted - May 13, 2008)

The company is working with the mall's owner to find another store to sublease the 73,000-square- foot space. The Saks is next to a former Lord & Taylor, which has been closed since 2002.

American Girl Boutique/Bistro to Open in Natick
(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - May 13, 2008)

In addition to selling American Girl dolls, outfits, accessories and books, the 20,000-square- foot store will sport a salon where its young customers can bring their dolls for new hairdos by trained stylists for $10 to $20 apiece.

Camille's Sidewalk Cafes Make Entree into Wal-Mart
(Associated Press - May 12, 2008)

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, a rapidly growing Tulsa company with 1,000 restaurants open or in development throughout the world, entered into an agreement earlier this year to begin franchising its brand across the country inside Wal-Marts.

Kohl's Has Ambitious Distributed Solar Power Program
(Business Wire - May 12, 2008)

Kohl's Department Stores plans to convert more than 50 of its existing New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland locations to solar power, representing nearly 80 percent of its locations in these three states. Currently Kohl's operates 34 stores in New Jersey, 17 in Connecticut and 16 in Maryland.

Pollo Campero Opens Franchise in US Wal-Mart Store
(AFX News Limited - May 12, 2008)

A restaurant bearing the Guatemalan chain's mascot chicken in a cowboy hat now sells its famed product inside a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Rowlett, Texas. Officials with the chain's fledging U.S. arm, Campero USA Corp., hopes to expand its reach into more than 20 Wal-Mart locations across the country by the end of 2009.

Southwyck Mall to Remain Open After Inspections
(The Blade, Toledo, Ohio - May 12, 2008)

South Toledo's Southwyck Shopping Center will remain open after its management addressed the city's demands to contain asbestos contamination and respond to other problems by Monday.

US Retailers Brace for Drop in Profits
(Associated Press - May 11, 2008)

Faced with one of the worst consumer spending climates in almost two decades, stores are going to have to find clever ways to attract increasingly thrifty shoppers contending with higher gas and food bills and a slumping housing market.

Mall of America: Hurdles to Mall Growth Rise
(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - May 11, 2008)

Even if the owners of the Mall of America succeed this year in securing public financing to help fund a $2 billion expansion, they face other considerable hurdles in completing the project as proposed.

Mother's Day Spending May be Down in Slower Economy
(AFX News Limited - May 9, 2008)

Analysts don't expect a dramatic drop in Mother's Day spending -- which ranks fourth behind the winter holidays, back-to-school buying and Valentine's Day -- but think it will be lighter despite the extra cash some consumers have from their tax refunds and stimulus payments.

President/COO of Macy's West Promoted
(Associated Press - May 9, 2008)

Department store chain Macy's Inc. promoted President and Chief Operating Office Daniel Edelman of Macy's West to president of international retail development.

Some U.S. Retailers and Tobacco Part Ways
(United Press International - May 9, 2008)

A spokesman for Wegmans, a chain of 70 supermarkets, said there was far more support than complaints when the retailer pulled tobacco products from their shelves. Some city and state governments are considering a ban of tobacco sales at pharmacies.

Shopping Mall Owner Gets 7-Month Extension on $2.6 Billion
(International Herald Tribune - May 9, 2008)

Centro, which owns around 700 shopping malls in the United States, borrowed heavily last year to finance a rapid expansion there. But the company ran into trouble in December after credit markets dried up, losing its usual avenues of borrowing and putting it under pressure to sell assets to raise cash.

$4.48 Million Helps Raze Shopping Area
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - May 9, 2008)

The Grafton Community Development Authority has approved giving the owner of Manchester Mall $4.48 million to help raze the shopping center and build a new mixed-use complex.

Southcenter Mall Expansion to Open July 25
(The Seattle Times - May 9, 2008)

At 400,000 sq. ft., the expansion makes room for 75 new specialty shops, including several firsts for the Seattle area: PINK, a retail concept by Victoria's Secret; Love Culture, which sells women's clothing, accessories and shoes; and Gilly Hicks, a new brand of intimate apparel and loungewear by Abercrombie & Fitch.

Mall Gets 72-hour Deadline to Deal With Abestos, Mold
(The Blade, Toledo, Ohio - May 9, 2008)

The city plans to shut the nearly empty South Toledo mall if its owners do not clean up toxic mold and seal off the asbestos contamination found there by inspectors on May 2.

Department Stores Mostly Down, Saks is Standout
(AFX News Limited - May 8, 2008)

Shares of department stores mostly slumped Thursday, pressured by disappointing same-store sales from Bon-Ton Stores Inc. and Retail Ventures Inc. Saks Inc., however, was a standout, edging higher after the luxury retailer's April results handily beat Wall Street expectations.

Build-A-Bear to Open 20 US Stores in 2008
(AFX News Limited - May 8, 2008)

It expects to open 20 stores in the US in 2008, with 5 new stories opening in Ireland, France and the UK. In 2007, the company opened 35 new stores in the US, and 11 new stores in Ireland, France and the UK.

WingStreet Named Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain
(Business Wire - May 8, 2008)

WingStreet, the world's largest delivery wing concept, was recently recognized by the NPD Group, the leading global provider of consumer and retail market research information, as the fastest growing chain in the quick service restaurant segment.

Best Buy Puts $2.1 Billion into European Cell Phone Retailer
(Associated Press - May 8, 2008)

The Carphone Warehouse will add its 2,400 U.S. and European stores into the new joint venture.

Sonics to Serve Region
(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - May 8, 2008)

The nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain wants to bring its carhops and in-car dining to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Papa John's Surpasses $1 Billion in Online Pizza Sales
(Associated Press - May 7, 2008)

Its US online sales have been growing at an average clip of more than 50 percent per year. In 2001, the chain's online sales totaled $20.4 million. Last year, its online sales approached $400 million.

Center Plaza Revamping Is Proposed
(The Patriot Ledger Quincy, MA - May 7, 2008)

The plan includes building a new plaza behind the shopping center at the corner of Center and Mattakeesett streets, as well as a stand-alone CVS Pharmacy and a Stop & Shop supermarket.

New Owners of bd's Mongolian Grill Have Aggressive Growth Plans
(PR Newswire - May 7, 2008)

There are currently 33 bd's Mongolian Grill restaurants with 10 company owned units located in Michigan, Illinois and Colorado; 22 domestic franchised locations in 11 states and 1 franchise location in Mongolia. The first bd's Mongolian Grill was built in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1992.

Co-founder of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Store Chain Dies at 90
(Canadian Press - May 6, 2008)

Robbins opened his first ice cream store in Glendale, California, in December 1945, following his discharge from the U.S. army.

As Food Costs Soar, Restaurants Swap Ingredients to Get By
(Associated Press - May 6, 2008)

Call it a menu makeover: Steakhouses are adding buffalo meat alongside filet mignon, pizza joints are trying new cheese products and seafood spots are replacing pricier entrees with humbler dishes like catfish.

Neiman Marcus Last Call Store to Anchor Grand Prairie Outlet Mall
(The Dallas Morning News - May 6, 2008)

Neiman Marcus said Monday that one of its Last Call stores would anchor the Prime Outlets in Grand Prairie shopping center, one of three outlet centers planned in Dallas County.

Wal-Mart Expands its $4 Generic Drug, Some $10 for 90-Days
(Houston Chronicle - May 6, 2008)

Wal-Mart Stores has expanded its list of generic prescription medications offered for $4 for a 30- day supply to more than 1,000 drugs. It also unveiled a program to offer 90-day supplies of some generics for $10.

Wal-Mart Replaces Hypermart with First 'Hispanic Community' Store
(The Dallas Morning News - May 6, 2008)

Among the new store features: expanded do-it- yourself departments in paint, garden and auto as well as the chain's first kids furniture department, first drive-through garden center loading area and first bakery equipped to make corn tortilla chips from scratch.

Mom Angered by Racy Books in Urban Outfitters
(United Press International - May 5, 2008)

A Washington mother with a teenage son said she was outraged to find books with sexual content on sale at the teen clothing store Urban Outfitters.

Kum & Go to Sell 21 Stores, Including 12 in Iowa
(AFX News Limited - May 5, 2008)

Kum & Go announced in August 2007 plans to sell off smaller stores and stores outside its core markets to focus on increasing larger format stores.

Valero to Acquire 72 Retail Sites from Albertson's
(AFX News Limited - May 5, 2008)

The transaction is expected to expand Valero's company-owned retail presence in Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Louisiana, where Valero already operates about 950 company-owned Corner Store locations.

S&K Menswear Opens New Prototype
(Market Wire - May 5, 2008)

This new store design is a key component in S&K Menswear's strategic plan to transition from a traditional "suit store" to a collection-oriented retailer of better menswear.

Milestone: Chipotle Serves 100% Naturally Raised Chicken
(Business Wire - May 5, 2008)

Chipotle Mexican Grill is now the first national restaurant company to serve exclusively naturally raised chicken. It has reached that milestone by adding naturally raised chicken to all its restaurants in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Menards Breaks New Ground: Subdivisions
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - May 5, 2008)

Eau Claire-based Menard Inc. is becoming more active as a developer of residential subdivisions -- an extension of the company's role as the nation's third-largest home improvement retailer.

International Retailers Use Florida as US Launch Base
(The Miami Herald - May 5, 2008)

Miami's reputation as a place for the hip and trendy, coupled with an influx of international visitors, are two reasons specialty stores are increasingly choosing South Florida as a launching pad or key market for US expansion.

CompUSA's Reopened Stores Hope to Improve Image
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel - May 5, 2008)

New owners of CompUSA stores say they are giving a fresh start to the ailing retail brand by carving out a niche in "value-priced" computers and computer parts and accessories at reopened locations in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.

Electronic Kiosks Getting Hot
(The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash. - May 4, 2008)

North American kiosk machine sales are expected to grow to $828 million from $484 million over the next five years.

Linens 'n Things Files Chapter 11
(Business Wire - May 2, 2008)

The national home furnishings chain will continue to operate its stores without interruption during the reorganization and the stores are open for business and expect to be well stocked with merchandise. The Company's Canadian stores, which are among the strongest performers in the chain, are not included in the filing and there are no plans for a similar filing in Canada.

Saturday's National Free Comic Book Day -- Who Knew?
(Business Wire - May 2, 2008)

Many of the retailers participating in Free Comic Book Day will make it an even bigger event by holding complimentary events in their stores, including signings by many of comics' top writers and artists that allow readers to meet the talents behind some of the medium's most popular titles.

Power Center to Feature 11 Anchors
(The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss. - May 2, 2008)

Construction on The Promenade, a 700,000 sq. ft. power center, begins this month on 72 acres near interstates 10 and 110.

Burger King Finds Recipe for Profits
(The Miami Herald - May 2, 2008)

Despite rising food costs and a struggling economy, Burger King's profits continue to climb.

Park Place's Current and Future Retail Tenants
(The Kansas City Star, Mo. - May 2, 2008)

Park Place will eventually offer 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 100,000 square feet of office space, and 160,000 square feet of hotel space. Many retail tenants are now open:

Latham Circle Mall Faces Foreclosure
(Times Union, Albany, N.Y. - May 2, 2008)

The owner of the mall, who has been promising improvements for more than three years, owes about $25 million on two mortgages dating to Dec. 29, 2006: $21 million on the original mortgages and the rest in interest, according to documents.

CBL Delays Hamilton Place Expansion
(Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Tenn. - May 2, 2008)

CBL on Monday announced a $100 million-plus expansion and renovation of the 21-year-old mall in East Brainerd. But the project hit a roadblock over a controversial proposal to raise capital for infrastructure improvements through the creation of a business privilege tax.

Towne East to Get Makeover
(The Wichita Eagle, Kan. - May 2, 2008)

-Towne East Square will get a new look this year, renovations that will transform the mall from a high-tech, glass and metal motif to a warm, upscale look.

Saladworks Inks Agreement For Boston Debut
(PR Newswire - May 1, 2008)

Saladworks, the nation's first and largest fresh-tossed salad chain announced today it has signed an agreement with a multi-unit developer for three locations in Boston, MA. This will be the first foray for the quick casual restaurant leader in the region.

Divining Retail Real Estate
(Retail Traffic - May 1, 2008)

Despite the malaise that has permeated the sector, the market's condition is not as bad as it was in the 1980s when owners dumped distressed assets onto the market that then sold at fire- sale prices. To the contrary, U.S. retail properties with stable cash flows are now priced at more affordable levels after coming off record highs seen over the past five years.

The Home Depot Updates Growth Plans, Focuses on Cash Flow
(PR Newswire - May 1, 2008)

The strategic plan outlined today centers on the Company's capital efficiency model to improve free cash flow, provide stronger returns for the Company and invest in its existing stores to continue improving the customer experience.

Disney Buys Disney Stores from Children's Place
(AFX News Limited - May 1, 2008)

Walt Disney Co. said Thursday it has taken over the Disney Store chain in North America from Children's Place Retail Stores, and will close about 98 stores U.S. and two in Canada.

Taco Bell to Save 300 Million Gallons of Water Per Year
(Business Wire - May 1, 2008)

Grill-to-Order goes beyond conserving water as roughly 200 million kwH of electricity will also be saved per year. Additionally, the new equipment will save more than 1.2 million therms of gas each year by not heating water.

Starbucks Hits the Brakes on US Store Growth
(The Seattle Times - May 1, 2008)

Starbucks slammed on the brakes Wednesday, saying it will slow U.S. growth to fewer than 400 stores annually beginning next year, down from 1,788 new U.S. stores last year.

CBL Sells 3 Battleground Shopping Centers
(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - May 1, 2008)

CBL & Associates, which bought the Starmount Co. portfolio of shopping centers last year, has begun selling off some of the smaller centers.

Kimco Realty Hit by Economic Slowdown
(Newsday, Melville, N.Y. - May 1, 2008)

Kimco Realty Corp., the nation's largest owner of community shopping centers and a bellwether of the commercial real-estate market, has become the latest victim of a slowing economy, Thursday reporting a sharp decline in net income in the first quarter.

Couche-Tard Acquires 83 Stores in Missouri and Illinois
(Canada NewsWire - April 30, 2008)

Of the 83 convenience stores, 69 operate under the Convenient Food Mart banner and are all company operated. The stores would be operated by the Circle K Midwest Division under the Circle K banner. The remaining 14 locations currently operate as dealers. Pursuant to this transaction, the company would buy the land and buildings for 15 locations and would assume or enter into leases for the remaining locations. The company plans to keep the stations Shell branded.

Kohl's to Open 70 to 75 Stores, Expand Offerings in 2008
(AFX News Limited - April 30, 2008)

New stores include glass-front store entrances, updated cash wraps and fitting rooms and redesigned juniors, jewelry and intimates departments. In the fall it willIupdate children's and shoe departments. The company expects to remodel 36 stores along these lines by July.

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