PetSmart LLC

Across America, big-box centers are powering back up

Power centers have proven themselves to be a resilient asset class in recent years. First the recession cut into business. Then e-commerce leveled some of their big-box tenants, hurt others and ignited a downsizing trend.

Yet research from Washington, D.C.-based CoStar Group shows that only 2% of power centers have vacancy rates of 40% or higher and probably won’t recover. Another 6% have vacancy rates of 20% to 40% and are in serious condition but may recover.

Mixed-use development works for trade areas where demand matches each use

Different developers look at mixed-use in different ways. One developer will look for trade areas that provide solid demand for retail, residential, office and perhaps other uses. The goal is to create developments where no single use dominates the others.

Still other developers gauge the demand for various uses and adjust the use offerings to match demand. In such cases, one use may dominate the center.

The Trademark approach to demand

Beachwood, Ohio — DDR Corp. has announced the closing of its previously announce acquisition activity totaling $591 million. The acquisitions include a portfolio of seven prime power centers in a newly-formed joint venture with an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII L.P. for $332 million in August and two market dominant regional power centers in Orlando, Fla. and Atlanta, Ga., for an aggregate $259 million in July.

New York -- American Realty Capital – Retail Centers of America, Inc. ("ARC Retail") closed its acquisition of the Tiffany Springs MarketCenter, located in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 26, for a contract price of $53.5 million, exclusive of closing costs. The purchase of the Tiffany Springs MarketCenter represents ARC Retail's third acquisition of a retail power center with multiple credit tenants.

PetSmart's board of directors has approved a motion to increase the company's quarterly dividend by 18% from $0.16 to $0.19 per share beginning in the third quarter.

The dividend of $0.195 will be paid Nov. 15 to stockholders of record at the close of business Nov. 1. This is equivalent to an annual rate of $0.78 per share.

Pooler, Ga. — With the addition of seven new leases, GBT Realty Corporation’s Village on Pooler Parkway is 95% leased months before its scheduled opening in the first quarter of next year. Anchored by T.J.Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Michaels and PetSmart, the 143,000-sq.-ft. development has now added Kirkland’s, Hibbett Sports, Visionworks, Legacy Nails, Sprint, GNC and Kay Jewelers to the mix.

Dallas — A fund managed by Cypress Equities has acquired Promenade Tannehill in Bessemer, Ala., a suburb of Birmingham.

Tannehill is a 347,151-sq.-ft. regional power center that opened in 2008 and presently houses more than 30 retailers, including Target, Publix, J.C. Penney, Michaels, PetSmart, Premiere Cinemas, Charming Charlie, Anna’s Linens and Ross Dress For Less.

Phoenix – PetSmart is allowing customers to virtually try Halloween costumes on their pets via Facebook. PetSmart’s “Spooktacular Costume Machine” on Facebook lets customers upload a photo of their pet and virtually try on 10 different costumes, add props and text, and share a photo through email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

After creating a costume, coupons are available to print, including $2 off any PetSmart costume purchase and buy-one, get-one treat coupons. The promotion begins Sept. 16.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. — Pure Barre has leased space in two Chicagoland shopping centers, according to Mid-America Asset Management Inc., the firm representing the centers.

PB Holdco LLC, d/b/a Pure Barre took 1,845 sq. ft. at Church Street Plaza in Evanston, Ill., and opened in August. Co-tenants include CineMark Century Theatres, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Urban Outfitters, Cost Plus World Market and others.

PHOENIX — PetSmart is leveraging Facebook to drive sales of pet costumes, as well as Halloween-themed accessories, toys and treats. 

The retailer will be stocked with everything from pumpkin and witch costumes for guinea pigs to a whole assortment of costumes for dogs that include bandanas, hair bows and angel wings and exclusive character costumes from Disney, Martha Stewart Pets, DC Comics, Marvel and Peanuts.