Discount Store

Uniqlo plans to open a store at Great Mall in Milpitas, California, on Sept. 12 — the first location to feature a 100% eco-friendly design, with LED lighting, greener materials and high-efficiency elements throughout.

The new store will also include specialty shopping vignettes that create a store-within-a-store feel in the women and children’s departments. In-store display materials will also include updated digital screens.

Families this summer will spend slightly more on back-to-school items than they did in 2013. According to NRF’s 2014 Back-to-School Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 will spend $669.28 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics, up 5% from $634.78 in 2013.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in the Kansas City area on July 19. The stores include The Shoppes at Liberty Triangle in Liberty, Missouri, and Quivira 95 Shopping Center in Overland Park, Kansas.  

These new openings are part of the retailer’s 2014 expansion program, totaling approximately 75 new locations during the year.

Washington, D.C. - Families this summer will spend slightly more on back-to-school items than they did in 2013. According to NRF’s 2014 Back-to-School Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 will spend $669.28 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics, up 5% from $634.78 in 2013.

New York -- Sycamore Partners is in early discussion with Fred’s about a potential takeover, Reuters reported.

In January, Fred's disclosed it had hired Bank of America Corp. and Peter J. Solomon Co to explore strategic alternatives after disappointing holiday sales.

According to the report, at least one other party in also in talks with Fred's.

Dublin, Calif. – Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in the Mid-Atlantic region on July 19. The stores opening are in the MacDade Mall in Glenolden, Pennsylvania and Windsor Heights Shopping Center in East Windsor, New Jersey.

These new openings are part of the retailer’s 2014 expansion program, totaling approximately 75 new locations during the year.

Livonia, Michigan — Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc. announced the acquisition of 23 shopping centers from Coldwater Liquidating Trust. The purchase is part of a bankruptcy liquidation in which Schostak Brothers purchased the majority of the remaining Coldwater Liquidating Trust portfolio, totaling 405,000 sq. ft.

The 23 shopping centers span 19 states, and is the third acquisition of Super Walmart shopping centers in less than a year.

Aurora, Ill. — Simon has launched construction of its expansion of Chicago Premium Outlets, adding 50 new stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and including a comprehensive renovation of the Chicagoland center.