Events

This week I’d like to discuss the re-emergence of skyline signs, but first allow me to offer a quick thank you to the entire Chain Store Age and SPECS Show teams for executing a trade show I won’t soon forget.

Of course, I’m talking about last week’s show at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas, #SPECS2016.

Businesses throughout North America can expect above normal temperatures in most markets over the Easter weekend (March 25-27), according to Planalytics.

The strongest warmth compared to normal will be along the West Coast and from the Plains to the East Coast. The Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions can expect intermittent showers leading up to the Easter holiday.

The newest addition to a Texas-sized mixed-used development taking shape north of Fort Worth is a 350,000-sq.-ft. retail project from Tanger Factory Outlet Centers.

Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck was in New York on March 16 to receive the 2016 Catalyst Award from an organization focused on accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion.

The CVS Health Foundation on Wednesday announced the second round of grants awarded in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids through the "Making the Next Generation Tobacco-Free" grant program. The new grants are part of #BeTheFirst, CVS Health's $50 million, five-year initiative to help deliver the nation's first tobacco-free generation, and extend the company's commitment to help people lead tobacco-free lives.

St. Charles, Mo. -- Cullinan Properties announced that Streets of St. Charles, a mixed-use development located in St. Charles, Missouri, will add Orangetheory Fitness to its tenant line up.

Orangetheory Fitness will occupy 3,000 sq. ft. of space on Beale Street, next to Wasabi Sushi Bar. Construction is anticipated to begin in early April, and the estimated opening date is this fall.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced renovation plans for CoolSprings Galleria in Nashville, Tennessee. The renovation comes on the heels of a major anchor redevelopment completed in early 2015, the recent addition of dining destination Connors Steak & Seafood, and the opening of Kings Bowling and Entertainment in May.

Rite Aid's 22nd annual Miracle Balloon campaign for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is now underway, the company announced Monday. From now through April 30, Rite Aid customers can support their local children's hospital by purchasing $1 paper Miracle Balloons at any Rite Aid store.

Nordstrom has extended its special relationship with Hawaiians by opening a gem of a store in the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

The three-level, 186,000 square-foot store features new interior and exterior design concepts, a full-service restaurant and bar, cocktail lounge, new departments and an enhanced beauty shopping experience. Nordstrom has operated in Hawaii for 50 years and the new store is a replacement for a store the retailer opened at the other end of the mall just eight years ago.

Chain Store Age’s 52nd annual SPECS conference starts March 13 at Hotel Anatole in Dallas. Although the conference focuses on store planning/design, equipment, construction and facility services, it offers several sessions that are of great potential interest to retail IT professionals. Here is a brief overview of five technology-themed SPECS conferences.