News

Off-pricer retailer sets 2017 expansion
It’s going to be a busy spring for Stein Mart. The Florida-based chain will open five stores this spring –– the first phase of its 2017 store plan to open a total of 11 new stores. The remainder of the locations will open in the fall. “These new stores fall within our real estate strategy to grow sales by filling existing markets where we are doing well,” said Hunt Hawkins, CEO of Stein Mart, which operates 290 stores.
Transforming Historic Spaces into Contemporary Retail Stores
For a retailer, the allure of a historic building is obvious: A renovated historic space conveys a unique degree of character and a memorable and defining sense of place. It can help a brand or business stand out in a crowded and competitive retail marketplace and deliver that all-important experiential element.

P.F. Chang’s signs on at Butler Town Center

Gainesville retail pioneer Butler Enterprises announced the signing of P.F. Chang’s as a restaurant anchor at its Butler Town Center, now under development. "It's an excellent fit for P.F. Chang's and we're really looking forward to sharing our farm-to-wok food philosophy with the entire Gainesville community," said P.F. Chang’s CMO Dwayne Chambers.
Online giant extending brick-and-mortar footprint

Online giant extending brick-and-mortar footprint. Amazon is taking its bookstore concept to the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a reputation for supporting independent bookstores. The company will open a bookstore at Broadway Plaza, an open-air center in Walnut Creek, California, reported the San Francisco Gate. Although no opening date was given, but Amazon is in the process of staffing up the store.
Final call for Shoptalk’s new ‘Hosted Retailers & Brands’ program

Shoptalk, the “nextgen commerce event,” is still accepting applications for a new initiative that connects retailers and brands with technology companies — and provides complimentary tickets and travel reimbursement to the event. Shoptalk will accept applications for its new “Hosted Retailers & Brands Program” until midnight on Friday, Feb. 17. More than 100 retailers and brands have already been accepted into the program. (Shoptalk will be held March 19-22, 2017, at the Aria in Las Vegas.)
Ulta, Sephora rival taps consulting, retail veteran as new CEO

The baton has been passed at Beauty Brands as it looks to enter its “next phase of growth.” The Kansas City-based retailer has named Caryn Lerner as CEO, succeeding Lyn Kirby, who will remain chairman. Kirby is part of the group that bought Beauty Brands in 2014 from founder Bob Bernstein. Since then, she has served as CEO and chairman of the company, reportedly commuting between Chicago and Kansas City. Prior to Beauty Brands, Kirby served as CEO of Ulta Beauty.
Happy Presidents’ Day

Chain Store Age will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents' Day. We will reopen and resume our normal schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Specialty retailer to explore alternatives

An Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics chain is bringing in outside help as it struggles with sinking sales. Hhgregg announced that it has engaged subsidiaries of Stifel Financial Corp. for advice on potential strategic and financial transactions as the retailer works to improve liquidity and return to profitability.
Store design competition extends entry deadline

The Retail Design Institute has extend the deadline for submission of entries to the International Store Design Competition to March 1, 2017 Design firms and in-house retail design teams from around the globe are invited to submit projects for the Retail Design Institute’s annual competition. Eligible projects are those completed between January 1 and December 31, 2016.
Report: Update on Walgreens-Rite Aid deal

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of Rite Aid is moving closer to getting a green light from the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is expected to approve the sale in the next two to four weeks, reported the New York Post, citing two sources close to the situation. The major sticking point was reportedly the number of Rite Aid stores that need to be divested to Fred’s Pharmacy.