Retail

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie president, chairman and CEO Peter Lynch expressed confidence in the grocer as it heads into its fourth quarter, maintaining that the grocer's estimated adjusted EBITDA will come in at the lower end of the $100 million to $130 million range for fiscal 2011, a 52-week period ending June 29, in light of relatively flat third-quarter results.

New York City -- Saks’ Off 5th outlet division announced Tuesday that it plans to open four new stores this year – Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Northbrook, Ill., and Charleston, S.C.

Additionally, the Off 5th arm said it will open a new store at the Market at Town Center in Sugar Land, Texas, that will replace its store located at The Fountains in Stafford, Texas.
 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to president and CEO, Mike Duke.

Walmart's net income was $3.4 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.3 billion, or 87 cents per diluted share. 

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods reported Tuesday that net income for the first quarter rose to $37.5 million, compared with $26.2 million a year earlier.

Net sales increased 6.3% to $1.1 billion. Same-store sales rose 2.1%.

The retailer will open 34 new Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 2011, as well as remodel 14 existing locations. It also plans to open approximately three Golf Galaxy stores and relocate one Golf Galaxy store this year.

Centennial, Col. -- Ikea on Tuesday officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its upcoming location in Centennial, Col. (the 415,000-sq.-ft. store is due to open on July 27).

The 60,000-sq.-ft. array consists of a 498-kW system, built with 2,212 panels. It will produce approximately 740,000 kWh of electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing at least 564 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 100 cars or powering 62 homes yearly.

Auburn, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Auburn, Calif., at Auburn Village to Blue Moon Apparel.

Opening its third women’s apparel location, Blue Moon Apparel has leased 1,400 sq. ft. of space and will open in June.

The 134,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Bel Air grocery store alongside national retailers such as CVS/pharmacy, Dollar Tree and Subway.
 

Belfast, Ireland -- A report in the Belfast Telegraph Tuesday said that Wal-Mart-owned supermarket chain Asda has released plans to open its first George stores overseas as it looks to turn the fashion label into a global retail brand.

The chain has set up a team at George's Lutterworth, Leicestershire base to explore entering into franchise arrangements for the first time. According to the report, George expects to announce its first partner in the Middle East in the next few months, followed by store openings in the first half of 2012.

San Jose, Calif. -- Chicago-based General Growth Properties announced that Fresco World Market is slated to open at Eastridge Mall, located in Santa Clara County, Calif., by September.

Fresco will take over a former Circuit City building and will feature the largest produce and seafood departments in the county and the Bay area.

A GGP property, Eastridge Mall is anchored by J.C. Penney, Macy's, Sears, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Chalet and AMC Theatres.