News

Hudson Lights retail leasing climbs to 75%
Fort Lee, N.J. -- Tucker Development announced long-term leases for first phase of Hudson Lights in Fort Lee, New Jersey. CycleBar, Linwood Wine & Liquor and SeeSaw will join the roster of tenants already signed to nearly 75% leased, 1 million sq. ft. development, anchored by iPic Theaters. The first-phase of the project will comprise approximately 140,000 sq. ft. of retail and 276 luxury apartments.
Produce is star of the show at Kroger’s new retail concept
Kroger puts produce front and center at its new grocery store concept, Main & Vine, which also boasts a large bulk-bin area and an event center where cooking demonstrations take place. The store, in Gig Harbor, Washington, capitalizes on Kroger’s centralized buying and distribution power to keep prices affordable on produce and staples, according to the Columbus Dispatch. [Columbus Dispatch]

Trendspotting: ‘Click & Mortar’ Rush Precipitates New Environment, Solutions

As discussed last week custom facades as advertisements have migrated from the domain of premiere retail flagships to many, varied uses across the commercial and retail spectrum.

This trend was earlier spotted by Gensler On: Lifestyle as part of its “Top Ten Retail Trends in 2013.”
Amazon wants to be big retailer on campus

Amazon.com is continuing to expand its network of physical pickup points at colleges and universities across the U.S.

Amazon has recently announced agreements to open staffed pickup locations at the The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Akron.

Opening this summer, this 2,509-sq.-ft. space at the University of Texas will be located in Gregory Gymnasium. Additionally, Amazon Student and Prime members will receive free one-day pickup for orders placed by 10 p.m. on more than two million items.
Rewards drive brand purchases

More than 45% of consumers say the opportunity to earn rewards is a primary driver for purchasing from a brand, according to a new study from Maritz Motivation Solutions.

The report, The Maritz LoyaltyNext Customer Study, surveyed 2,000 consumers on their loyalty to and engagement with brands.

When asked why they purchase from a brand, a majority of consumers cited “the ability to earn points and rewards, as well as good promotions and low prices.”
Kohl’s serves its communities through philanthropy

Kohl’s announced it donated more than $51 million in 2015 through various charitable efforts and programs.

The donations include nearly $16 million in corporate grants through Kohl’s premier associate volunteer program and approximately $19 million donated through Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise, in addition to other philanthropic giving.
Wegmans, Publix named 'Best Companies to Work For'

Both Wegmans and Publix were named to Fortune's 2016 top-100 list of "Best Companies to Work For," and both grocers - the only retail pharmacy operators on the list - have placed in the top 100 for the past 19 consecutive years.

Both Wegmans and Publix are two of 12 companies that have earned spots on Fortune's "Best Companies" list every year since the list began.
Opinion: A Not So Super Tuesday for Retailers, Operators

Super Tuesday shed a very strong light on what the general election campaign is going to look like as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump performed well and solidified their frontrunner status.

More importantly, it was essentially a validation of Donald Trump's campaign style and strategy so far. Whether you are a fan of The Donald or not, it is clear that part of that strategy has been focusing on social issues like immigration, race and other political hot potatoes and pushing issues important to Main Street merchants to the back burner.
Barnes & Noble grows sales; to debut new store format

Barnes & Noble produced a same-store sales increase in its third quarter which, although meager, is an impressive accomplishment given intense competition from Amazon. In announcing its results on Thursday, the company also revealed that it will open four new prototype stores in its current fiscal year. The first is expected to open sometime this summer.
Burlington Stores keeps hot streak going

Burlington Stores attracted large numbers of shoppers over the holiday season, as the off-price retailer reported a jump in sales and profit for the fourth quarter.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, the company said adjusted net income per share rose 26% to $2.31 vs. $1.83 in the prior year quarter.Revenue increased 3.5% to $1.55 billion. Same-store sales increased 2.1%.