 IN THIS ISSUE
The Tenant's
Perspective
|
Speaking
Out Against the Disconnect Between Landlords and
Tenants
The first three issues of Site Optimizer
are being sent to the entire Retail Traffic Online distribution
list. To keep receiving Site Optimizer after that, please
register to be part of our Site Optimization Community here.
Each month, Site Optimizer will discuss
industry trends—most importantly, leasing issues—with a retail
executive. In our first installment, we speak with Larry
Sidoti, vice president of development with long-time mall
stalwart Mrs. Fields Original Cookies Inc. The
company's franchise system operates through a network of 1,200 locations
in 23 countries, including many located in regional malls in the United
States. In late 2008, the company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection and is now looking to grow by bringing new franchisers into
the company fold. But with the recession cramping consumer spending, the
company has already had to temper its expectations. Mrs. Fields, which
also owns the TCBY chain, now plans to open 24 new stores in 2009, down
from its goal when it exited bankruptcy in October of opening 40 new
franchised stores.
Sidoti, the vice president of development at the company since 2008, has
been in the restaurant retail business since 1995, when he founded Juice
It Up, a smoothie and juice bar chain based in California. Sidoti has
been working with developers, landlords and franchisees to build the
company through new development and to keep more troubled franchised
locations open for business. He spoke with Site Optimizer about
current business conditions.
READ THE FULL STORY
HERE.
Case Study
|
A Closer
Look: J. Crew Continues to Grow with Madewell
There’s no doubt about it – it’s
tough out there for apparel retailers. Faced with a stagnant economy and
a brutal slowdown in consumer spending, most have sharply cut back
expansion plans to save cash. But not every firm is waiting for the
economy to recover. J. Crew Group Inc., the New York-based preppy
clothing chain, has slowed down its growth of its namesake stores. But
at the same time, it is continuing to expand its new urban concept,
Madewell.
READ THE FULL STORY
HERE.
News & Notes
|
News &
Notes
With the recession appearing to worsen
and consumer spending grinding to a near-halt, retailers continued to
struggle in February. The month began with clothing company
Chico’s FAS Inc. announcing
the elimination of 180 positions. The Fort Myers, Fla.-based chain
also said it may have to close up to 25 stores due to weak sales. The
job cuts represented about 11 percent of its workforce at its
headquarters. The company expects the cuts to save about $15 million
over the next year.
READ THE FULL STORY
HERE.
Tech Beat
|
Staying
In The Moment With Demographic Trends
As economic indicators across the U.S.
change by the hour, with one region after another falling victim to the
deepest recession in decades, retailers find themselves in a world where
site selection decisions have become extremely challenging. Markets
considered up-and-coming six months ago may no longer deserve a second
look today as past projections for population growth turn out to be
wrong and businesses that were previously thriving close down or move to
other areas.
In this environment, up-to-the-minute demographic data and projections
are vital for retailers. That's the niche that TARGUSInfo a Vienna, Va.-based
provider of identification and locations solutions, hopes to fill. A lot
of competitors have stepped into this fold, all with different
approaches to crunching numbers and producing advice on the best
locations to build a new store or find ways to find an existing one
operate better.
READ THE FULL STORY
HERE.
|
