Marketing

“Now Trending” is an exclusive online series to chainstoreage.com, featuring trending topics that impact the retail real estate landscape.

It is no secret that there is a significant paradigm shift underway in the world of regional retail development.

Charming Charlie has been on an upward trajectory for the past 10 years, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. With 350 U.S. stores (plus four in Canada), the Houston-based, privately held jewelry and accessories retailer is busy expanding at home and, more recently, abroad. In June, it opened its first-ever location in New York City, a three-level, 16,000-sq.-ft.

Facebook and Twitter don’t have the power to move mountains (not yet anyway), but one thing is certain: Retailers are not only listening to the conversations going on out there about their brands, but, increasingly and when it makes brand-sense, acting on them. At least the smart ones are.

Consider Topshop. The global fashion retailer came under fire for using ultra-thin mannequins in its stores.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets is now focusing its global expansion efforts on developments in Southeast Asia. The casual dining chain is seeking area developers for expansion into Thailand and Vietnam.

Johnny Rockets currently operates Southeast Asian franchise stores in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia through its 14 open restaurants and eight others in development.

Vancouver, Wash. – Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc. is setting its sights on Jacksonville, Florida. The pizza chain is opening four new franchised stores in Jacksonville on Aug. 27.

These stores will join five other Papa Murphy’s units already located in the greater Jacksonville area.
 

Hicksville, N.Y. -- Pacific Retail Capital Partners announced renovations are underway for Broadway Mall located in Hicksville, New York. Mall renovations will focus on updating the main entrance to provide a grander, more recognizable entrance, modernizing the walkways with new flooring and improving outdoor hardscapes and landscapes with new benches, seating, foliage and flowers.
 

Charlotte, N.C. -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is adding a department store to its growing portfolio.

Belk, the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company, on Monday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be 100% acquired by Sycamore Partners in a transaction with an estimated value of approximately $3 billion.

As the 10th anniversary of Hurrican Katrina approaches, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are making a commitment to disaster relief efforts.

Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is adding a department store to its growing portfolio, which includes such brands as Aeropostale, Jones New York and Nine West.

Sears Holdings Co. has made an interesting choice to lead its hardlines division.

The company announced that Lynn Pendergrass has joined the company in the new role of president, hardlines. In this position, she will be responsible for working across the Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard business unit and its hardlines partners — including Home Appliances, Lawn & Garden, Tools, and Sears Auto Centers — to develop compelling offers and build relationships with members who shop the hardline categories.