Convenience Stores

Verizon: Three breach scenarios to watch for
There is an endless variety of ways hackers can attempt to gain access to retailers’ networks, but a few are particularly common.

In a new study, “Data Breach Digest,” Verizon identifies 18 different data breach scenarios drawn from analyzing more than 1,200 global cases investigated by the Verizon Risk Team in the past three years.

“There is a lot more commonality than most people realize,” said Chris Novak, director of investigative response, Verizon Enterprise Solutions.
Regional grocer mitigates supply chain risk
Supply chain issues are a potential threat for any retailer, but grocery chains need to be particularly vigilant in tracking products from source to shelf.

High-profile product recalls in recent years have resulted in brand damage, lawsuits, and even prison terms for executives of companies involved. While the source brands typically face more regulatory and legal ramifications, it is still wise for retailers of produce and other food items to invest in technologies that use automation to minimize the likelihood or impact of such events.

$30 million reinvestment in iconic Woodbridge Village Center

Irvine, Calif. -- Irvine Company has announced it will begin a transformation $30-million reinvestment in Woodbridge Village Center located in Irvine, California. The redevelopment of the center includes upgrading the retail, dining and entertainment mix to complement longtime favorites, freshen the architecture for a coastal California feel, and create an expansive outdoor setting for dining, relaxing and community gatherings that overlooks North Lake.
New retail site 100% leased at start of construction

Houston -- Baker Katz announced that construction on an 8,000-sq.-ft. building that is 100% leased to AT&T, Frost Bank and Chipotle is underway.

Baker Katz acquired this property last year with plans to revamp the property into a multi-tenant destination. The property is located in Houston, Texas at the intersection of I-10 East and Haden Road in business district and ship channel area.
Advance Auto Parts adds board expertise

A Tesla board member and Walgreens supply chain executive are the newest members of the board of directors at Advance Auto Parts.

One of the nation’s leading automotive retailers, Advance Auto Parts named Brad W. Buss and Reuben E. Slone to its board. Both men bring interesting perspectives to the operator of nearly 5,200 stores.
Supermarkets dominate this ranking

When it comes to the customer experience, one retail segment stands out above all others.

Supermarket chains took 13 out of the top 20 spots in the sixth annual Temkin Experience Ratings, with regional grocers Publix and H-E-B earning the highest overall scores. Other supermarket chains in the top 20 were Save-a-Lot, Kroger, Wegmans, Aldi, Food Lion, Shop Rite, Giant Eagle, Trader Joe’s, Wawa (classified as a supermarket by Temkin), Winn-Dixie and Hy-Vee.
Physical stores big winner with gift cards

When it comes to redeeming their holiday gift cards, consumers overwhelming prefer brick-and-mortar stores.

According to a survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers, 77% of consumers who received gift cards planned to redeem them in a physical store.
Walmart elevates merchants, marketers and operators

Photo: Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO
Experience Counts

There may be debate among presidential candidates about whether experience is a positive or negative attribute, but for open-air centers, experience is a must. With the ease of online shopping, today’s consumers need a reason beyond the chance to visit their favorite stores to make a trip to their local center.
TENANT TREND #2: HEALTHCARE AT THE MALL

Need to fill empty space? Walk-in medical clinics hold a lot of tenant promise, as regional companies such as New York’s City Practice Group and national chains such as Humana’s Concentra increasingly find homes in spaces vacated by shuttered retailers in strip malls and shopping centers.

Hospitals are also getting in the game. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, for example, is building clinics in retail settings throughout the Nashville metro area.
Starbucks Does Vegas

Starbucks is giving customers a front-row seat on the famed Las Vegas Strip.

The coffee giant has opened a 3,200-sq.-ft. location in Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s Casino complex. The store is unusual in that, instead of the typical tables with chairs, it offers theatrical stadium seating (for 30 to 40 people) in the center of the store and surrounding bench seating.
PizzaRev: Fast-casual eatery all fired up for growth

Fully customized pizzas tailored to each guest’s liking, served up in minutes. That’s the idea behind PizzaRev, a Los Angeles-based fast-casual pizza chain whose “build-your-own” approach is bringing food customization to a new level.