News

Rural lifestyle retailer on fast track for expansion
Tractor Supply Company continues its rapid expansion, with the grand opening of its 1,500th store, on Feb. 13, in Odessa, Texas.

The retailer opened a total of 114 stores in 2015, and expects to open between 115 and 120 locations in 2016. Tractor Supply stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.
Shop Companies sells 100% leased center in Texas
Cross Roads, Texas -- Shop Companies Investment Sales announced the sale of Crossroads Crossing a 14,680 sq. ft. shopping center located in Cross Roads, Texas.

Crossroads Crossing at the time of closing was 100% leased. The tenant mix includes: Domino’s, State Farm, January’s Salon, Cornerstone Dental and Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant among others. Just east of a newly opened Wal-Mart Supercenter.

NRF issues optimistic forecast for 2016 retail sales growth

Retail industry sales will grow an estimated 3.1% in 2016, outpacing the 10 year industry average, as economic headwinds diminish, according to a forecast released by the National Retail Federation.

The NRF sales forecast of 3.1% excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants and exceeds the 10 year growth rate of 2.7%. Non-store retail sales are forecast to growth between 6% and 9%.
A beautiful moment for omnichannel

Beauty consumers are increasingly turning to mobile and social technology in their seamless shopping experiences.

According to a new study from Mintel, 45% of U.S. beauty consumers prefer to search for product information in-store rather than ask for assistance from a sales associate. Another 39% are interested in using or have used a store-provided tablet to research available beauty products.

Sixteen percent of in-store beauty customers go as far to purposely shop where sales associates will leave them alone.
Bankrupt apparel retailer gets OK for sale of store leases

Women’s apparel retailer Joyce Leslie is calling it a day.

The company announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court for a sale of its intellectual property and retail store leases, along with the lease of its corporate office and distribution center.
Outlets on fire as occupancy rate set new record

So much for the argument that the U.S. market is saturated with retail stores and e-commerce is hurting mall traffic. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers brought four new properties online in 2015 and still managed to achieve a portfolio occupancy rate in excess of 95% for the 35th consecutive year.
JCPenney targets millennials with new private brand

One of the major components of JCPenney's transformation strategy is getting a boost this week when the retailer launches its new Belle + Sky collection aimed at millennials.
Late refund checks hit Citi Trends

Same-store sales literally fell off a cliff at Citi Trends in the waning days of the fourth quarter and the operator of 522 urban fashion stores is attributing the weakness to the federal government.
Cabela’s elevates exec to new role of president

Cabela’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Scott Williams has been elevated to the role of president and given additional responsibilities in a move that positions him to succeed longtime CEO Tommy Millner.

Williams will continue to report to Millner. Williams will take on additional responsibility for U.S. retail operations and all operations in Canada.
J.C. Penney targets millennials with new private brand

One of the major components of J.C. Penney's transformation strategy is getting a boost this week when the retailer launches its new Belle + Sky collection aimed at millennials.