Discount Store

By Jeff Green

San Marcos, Texas -- The Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group said that Ulta has leased 14,798 sq. ft. of retail space in Red Oak Village, a power retail center located near Austin, Texas.

At Red Oak Village, Ulta joins a line-up that includes Sam’s Club, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, Best Buy, PetSmart, Ross Dress for Less and other retailers and restaurants.

Redmond, Wash. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space in Redmond, Wash., at Overlake Fashion Plaza to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

Five Guys has leased 2,475 sq. ft., and is slated to open for business this summer.

The 80,555-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Marshalls alongside national retailers such as Men’s Wearhouse, Payless Shoe Source, and Avenue.

Chicago -- Walmart has announced two additional store openings for Chicago, bringing the total number of stores it plans to open in the Windy City by 2013 to six.

The new stores will create close to 1,000 new jobs and nearly 200 construction jobs putting Walmart on the path to meeting the goals outlined in its "Chicago Community Investment Partnership."

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said the stores will bring fresh food and groceries to some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Ross Stores has emerged as one of those value retailers that has shined during the recent economic downturn. The company once again reported strong earnings and sales growth for the fourth quarter and fiscal year, showing that while the economy may be improving, value remains an important concern for consumers.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

CHiCAGO --  Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which has thus far eluded the retailer. The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for a Walmart Market and Walmart Express store.  According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and one of Chicago’s most underserved communities. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Label-lovers aside, designer shoes -- even discounted designer shoes -- are considered discretionary items by most consumers, and the fact that DSW had such a strong quarter is indeed a good sign that the middle-income consumer is feeling more confident about her economic situation.