Department Store

For more than 50 years, retail store planning, construction and facilities executives have gathered for the annual SPECS conference to assess key industry challenges and invent the future. That will be the case again this year, as SPECS focuses on the transformation and evolution of physical stores in a digital age.  

Macy’s is looking to inspire shoppers once again this February with promotional events tied to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign.

Newark, Del. -- Atlantic Realty Companies announced Main Street Movies 5 has signed an 18,000 sq. ft. lease at Newark Shopping Center in Newark, Delaware.

Main Street will invest $3 million in a full-scale renovation of the existing theater space and expand into the adjacent space. Construction is set to begin in February with a grand opening in August.

Chain Store Age’s annual SPECS conference is the must-attend event for retail and restaurant executives involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of stores.

Athletic wear giant Under Armour plans to open some 200 store in 2016, according to The Street. While the brand did not comment, the report said the expansion would likely include a mixture of store types, including outlet locations, “Brand House” stores, (the company’s full-price, experiential format) and in-store shops. [The Street]

Family-owned and operated Broadway Panhandler, in Manhattan’s East Village, is going out of business after 40 years in operation.

The cookware store has long been a cult fave among restaurant chefs and home cooks alike.

As to the reason, the owner cited health issues of his wife and said his attempts to sell the business were unsuccessful, according to the New York Times.

Belk is inviting couples engaged to be married to attend an Engagement Party during the month of February in the home department at their local store.

The promotional event will include displays of gift registry/wedding merchandise and feature refreshments, giveaways and drawings for prizes from Belk.