Supermarket/Grocery

New York -- Multiple reports on Monday suggested that private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, which owns the struggling Albertsons LLC, may be putting together a deal to buy all or part of the grocery chain.

Cerberus is said to be seeking $4 billion to $5 billion in debt financing from banks to back a bid and is looking at investing $800 to $900 in equity in its takeover quest, a person familiar with the matter is reported to have said. That same source cautioned that the figures could change.

Melrose, Mass. -- Charter Realty and Development Corp. said it has acquired the 52,000-sq.-ft. Towers Plaza for $8.6 million.

The neighborhood shopping center, located in Melrose, Mass., a suburb of Boston, was originally built in 1965 and later renovated and expanded. It is anchored by Johnnie’s Foodmaster Supermarket and Rite Aid.  

Charter said it anticipates doing a façade renovation as well as upgrades to the common area. The work will commence this fall and continue in the spring.

By Jeff Weidauer, [email protected]

Talk to anyone who has been in the retail business for a while, and they will tell you that the world has changed, and continues to do so. Technology is changing daily how shoppers think about the trip, how retailers track sales and shopper behavior, and the way CPG manufacturers approach category management. Metrics abound, and the seemingly simple business of retail now depends on complex algorithms and data analysis to grow and profit.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that American Eagle Outfitters plans to open a 5,732-sq.-ft. store at its Plymouth Meeting Mall property in spring 2013.

In addition, Mercy Health System, a consumer health and wellness satellite aligned with Mercy Suburban Hospital, recently opened, expanding the mall’s variety of services into the health sector.

Plymouth Meeting Mall is anchored by Macy’s, Boscov’s and Whole Foods Market and Café.

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties Group, developer of the East Peoria (Ill.) Downtown development, said Friday that Ross Dress for Less will open a 25,000-sq.-ft. junior-anchor store at the mixed-use project, joining previously announced Target, Costco, Ulta and Gordman’s.

Red Robin Gourmet Burger will open a 4,001-sq.-ft. restaurant and dental chain Heartland Dental Care will open in a 2,700-sq.-ft. space.

WASHINGTON — A revised antitrust settlement on the issue of credit card swipe fees doesn't go far enough, The National Retail Federation said Friday. 

Phoenix -- Cole Real Estate Investments said it has purchased three retail power centers totaling about 875,000 sq. ft. for $130.9 million.

The acquired properties are Hillside Town Center, a 165,000-sq.-ft. center in Hillside, Ill., for $27 million; White Oak Village, a 433,500-sq.-ft. property in Richmond, Va., for $68 million; and Barrow Crossing, a 276,000-sq.-ft. center in Winder, Ga., for $35.9 million. Barrow Crossing is a joint venture with Faison, the original developer of the property.

Washington, D.C. -- A revised antitrust settlement on the issue of credit card swipe fees doesn't go far enough, The National Retail Federation said Friday.