Issue 23 for the week of June 30, 1995

The Dealmakers Issue Number 23 for the week of June 30, 1995.

Shoe Tenants Size-Up Expansion Plans

Marty Shoes, Inc. trades as Marty Shoes at 50 locations in NY, NJ, PA and CT. The stores, which also sell handbags and hosiery, occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. in outlet and strip centers as well as freestanding facilities. Preferred anchors include T.J. Maxx. Plans call for up to 12 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in NY and NJ. Leases running 15 years are typical.

For more information, contact Robert Schmidt, Marty Shoes, Inc., 60 Enterprise Avenue North, Secaucus, NJ 07094; 201-319-0500, Fax 319-1446.

Famous Brand Shoes operates 40 locations in AL, IL, KS, MI, MO, OH and TX. The stores occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft. in strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets.

For more information, contact Robert Brennan, Famous Brand Shoes, 8620 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63132; 314-991-4120, Fax 991-2048.

Houser Shoes, Inc. trades as Houser Shoes and The Shoe Store at 20 locations in NC, SC, TN, VA and GA. The stores occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, regional malls, power and strip centers. Plans call for five openings in 1995 and three openings in 1996. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Leases running three to 10 years are typical.

For more information, contact Rich Gonzales, Houser Shoes, Inc., 812 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804; 704-254-0054, Fax 258-2217.

Genesco, Inc. trades as Jarman, Johnston & Murphy and Journeys at 480 locations nationwide. The stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for 40 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide.

For more information, contact Frank O. Fox, Jr., Genesco, Inc., PO Box 941/ Suite 588-B, Genesco Park, Nashville, TN 37202; 615-367-8329, Fax 367-7323.

The Athlete's Foot Group, Inc. trades as The Athlete's Foot at 700 locations nationwide. The athletic footwear stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls and power centers. Power centers should have GLAs of at least 250,000 sq.ft. Plans call for 75 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Preferred demographics include a population of 50,000 within three miles earning $30,000 as the average income. Leases running 10 years are typical. The company is franchising.

For more information, contact Norma Harrington or Bob Souders, The Athlete's Foot Group, Inc., 1950 Vaughn Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144; 404-514-4500, Fax 514-4903.

Bob Levine Shoes trades as Neat Feet at four locations in NY and NJ. The stores, selling men's and women's branded shoes at off prices, occupy spaces of 7,000 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, outlet and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 100,000 within 10 miles earning $40,000 as the average income. Leases running five years with a five-year option are typical.

For more information, contact Bob Levine, Bob Levine Shoes, 20 Aquarium Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094; 201-864-2057, Fax 854-0340.

Shoe City operates 24 locations in CA. The stores, selling athletic shoes and apparel, occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. to 7,000 sq.ft. in power centers and freestanding facilities. Preferred anchors include Wal*Mart. Plans call for six openings through 1996 and nine openings in 1997. Expansion will take place in Southern CA and NV. Preferred demographics include a population of 200,000 within three miles earning $40,000 as the average income.

For more information, contact Bob Pratt, Shoe City, 123 Washington Boulevard, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; 310-577-1414.

Who's Opening and Where...

AutoZone, Inc. (901-325-4600) recently increased its projected store openings for 1995 from 180 to 205 units.

Ernst Home Centers (206-621-6700) plans to open eight home improvement stores during the third quarter.

Pet Food Warehouse (612-542-0123) recently opened stores in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, MI.

Cineplex Odeon (416-323-6600) plans to build a 100,000 sq.ft., 16-screen, 5,000 seat movie complex at Universal Studios in Universal City, FL. The theater is expected to open during early 1998.

Starlog Franchise Corp. (201-712-1414) plans to open retail stores in Pinellas Park, FL, Countryside Mall in Clearwater, FL and University Mall in Tampa, FL. The company currently operates seven Starlog: The Comic and Science Fiction Universe stores at various locations throughout the U.S., and one in England.

Tandy Corporation (817-390-3011) plans to open smaller Incredible Universe stores later this year. The stores are expected to measure 160,000 sq.ft. to 175,000 sq.ft. rather than the average 185,000 sq.ft. store.

Office Depot (407-265-4258) plans to open a 37,000 sq.ft. store in Rock Hill, SC.

Circuit City (804-527-4000) is relocating its Palm Desert, CA store to a 45,000 sq.ft. facility. The old store, located across the street, only measured 20,000 sq.ft.

Computer City (214-360-1700) plans to open stores in Cincinnati, OH; Houston, TX; Tulsa, OK; Minnetonka, MN and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada this month.

Egghead Discount Software (206-391-6247) plans to open 10 newly-formatted stores and convert 10 existing stores to the new format before its fiscal year ends next March.

Circle K (602-229-8626) plans to change the name of its 44 OK and AR convenience stores to Stax as it introduces a new format at the stores. The stores will carry approximately 2,000 supermarket items in regular sizes including low-fat and non-fat foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and milk. The company, which will continue to own and operate the stores, hopes that they will become the consumers' fill-in or mid-week shopping destinations.

Leslie's Poolmart (818-993-4212) recently opened five stores to bring its 1995 store opening count to 41. The company currently operates 221 locations in 28 states.

Arby's Canada (416-672-2729) recently opened its first Roast Town unit in Ajax, Ontario. The unit is only the second in the Arby's chain, with the first being opened in Plantation, FL. Roast Town restaurants offer rotisserie chicken, fresh baked goods and desserts in addition to the chain's signature sandwiches and fries at fast-food prices and service in a casual dining atmosphere.

Hammacher Schlemmer & Company, Inc. (312-664-8170) recently relocated its Chicago, IL unit to Tribune Tower. The innovative consumer products retailer also has stores in New York, NY and Beverly Hills, CA.

Southwest Georgia Oil Co. (912-246-1553) plans to open an Inland Foods convenience store in Douglas, GA before the end of the year. The company currently operates 24 stores in GA, FL and MS.

Mergers & Acquisitions

A Drug Emporium, Inc. (614-548-7080) franchisee in Nashville, TN recently acquired a Phar-Mor Drug Store and plans to operate it under the Drug Emporium name. The franchisees, Robert Barry and Harry Zamminer III, also plan to open another Drug Emporium store in the Nashville area within the coming year. The company currently operates 115 company-owned stores and franchises an additional 96 stores nationwide.

Blockbuster Entertainment Group (305-832-3320) recently acquired a controlling interest in Grupo Mexicano de Video (GMV), Blockbuster's Mexican franchisee. Blockbuster invested $35 million in exchange for 80% of the common stock of GMV. GMV currently operates 100 Blockbuster Video stores and is planning an aggressive expansion.

Chief Auto Parts, Inc. (214-204-1114) and Hi/LO Automotive, Inc. (713-663-9279) recently signed a definitive merger agreement where each outstanding share of Hi/LO common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $11. Approximately 11 million shares of Hi/LO common stock is outstanding. Hi/LO operates 191 stores in TX, LA and CA and Chief operates over 500 stores in CA, TX, NV, TN, AR and AZ.

Woolworth Corporation (212-553-2394) recently sold its 331-store Kids Mart/Little Folks division to LFS Acquisition Corp., an investor group led by Bernie Tessler. In turn, LFS signed an agreement to be acquired by Frost Hanna Acquisition Group, Inc. for approximately $16.7 million.

Swallen's (513-527-6591), an eight-store, family-run department store chain, was recently purchased by an investment group led by Sharad Buddhdev.

Longhorn Steaks, Inc. (404-233-8450) recently acquired Lone Star Steaks, Inc. for $3.25 million. Lone Star currently operates two restaurants in Atlanta, GA which will be converted into Longhorn Steak units.

Childrobics, Inc. (516-694-0999) recently acquired Fun Zone Family Entertainment Centers for $660,000. Fun Zone currently operates two units which feature an animated stage show, indoor rides, bowlingo, soft play area, a ball pit, video arcade, party rooms, and lazer tag. Childrobics operates indoor recreational facilities nationwide.

Applebee's International, Inc. (913-967-4000) recently approved the transfer of 18 Applebee's restaurants operated by franchisee Marcus Restaurants, Inc. in WI and IL to Apple South, Inc., another Applebee's franchisee. In addition, Applebee's has agreed to enter into development agreements with Apple South for the development territories formerly held by Marcus in addition to Apple South's existing development agreements.

West Coast Entertainment, Inc. (215-677-1000) recently entered into an agreement with Giant Video Corporation that will merge the two chains into the nation's number two video retailer. In addition, Giant Video is finalizing purchase agreements with A-Z Video Superstores, Video Giant, Anthony Cocca's Videoland, Forbes Video and Video Video. West Coast Entertainment currently operates 500 West Coast Video stores in 25 states and four countries.

Video Update (612-222-0006) recently acquired Video Powerstores, which operates 17 stores in Phoenix, AZ, three in Las Vegas, NV and two in Tucson, AZ.

Financial News...

Egghead (206-391-6247) reported that sales for its fourth quarter, ended April 1, were $220.1 million, up from $210 million for the same period last year. The company also reported $934,000 in net income for the fourth quarter compared to a $407,000 loss last year.

Value Merchants, Inc. (414-274-2575) and Everything's A Dollar, Inc. (414-274-2692) reported first quarter net sales of $33,761 and a $10,837 loss from operations.

Rentrak Corporation (503-284-7581) reported revenues from its fiscal year ended March 31 were $112.166 million, an increase of 63% from $68.896 million last year. Net income for the year increased 529% to $5.113 million compared to $813,065 last year. Revenues for the Rentrak Home Entertainment Division, Pay-Per-Transaction (PPT), were $79.793 million for the fiscal year, compared to $62.005 million last fiscal year. The Pro Image revenues for the fiscal year were $26.363 million compared to $3.950 million last year. Rentrak Corporation markets PPT, a form of videocassette distribution based on the concept of revenue sharing and operates the Pro Image chain of licensed sports apparel stores.

Brown Group, Inc. (608-284-6461) reported a $4.4 million loss for the first quarter of 1995. Famous Footwear's sales for the quarter were up 43% overall with comp. store sales up 15%. The company plans to open 125 to 130 stores this year, down from earlier plans calling for 160 stores. Last year, the company opened 183 units, and typically closes 20 stores per year. Currently, the company operates 754 stores.

Circle K Stores, Inc. (602-229-8626) recently entered into its first franchise agreement with Gibbs Oil Co. L.P. Under the agreement, Gibbs Oil Co. will operate 52 convenience stores in ME, NH, MA and CT under the Circle K name.

Mac Frugal's Bargains-Close Outs, Inc. (310-761-4167) reported that net earnings for its first quarter were down to $3.315 million compared to $5.91 million last year. The company operates 285 stores in 13 states under the trade names Pic 'N' Save and Mac Frugal's Bargains-Close Outs.

Genesco, Inc. (615-367-8291) reported that net sales from its first quarter were $93.2 million, down from $100.2 million for the same period last year. The company also reported a net loss of $678,000 for the quarter compared to a net loss of $2.7 million last year. The company manufacturers and markets footwear under the tradenames Johnston & Murphy, Laredo Boot Company, Nautica Footwear, Dockers Footwear, Jarman and Journeys.

Buttrey Food and Drug Stores Company (406-454-7280) reported that net income before extraordinary charges for the first quarter increased to $238,000 from $25,000 last year. During the quarter, the company recorded an extraordinary charge of $85,000 as a result of the early retirement of debt. Net income for the first quarter increased to $187,000 from $25,000 and sales decreased 11.2% to $87.213 million from $98.197 million. Comparable store sales decreased 0.5%. The company operates 40 stores in MT, WY and ND.

Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. (314-331-6000) reported a first quarter net loss of $6.4 million compared to a net earning of $1.9 million last year. First quarter sales decreased 2.6% to $318.1 million from $326.7 million last year and comparable store sales fell two percent. During the quarter, the company closed 35 stores and opened 16 to end with 2,742 units. The company operates under the tradenames of JW/Jeans West, Oaktree, J. Riggings, Zeidler & Zeidler/Webster, Repp Ltd., Phoenix men's catalog, 5-7-9 Shops, Spirale, Bakers, Leeds, Precis, Wild Pair, Dave & Buster's restaurant, Time-Out, Space Port and Exhilarama family entertainment centers.

Strawbridge & Clothier (215-629-7100) reported that first quarter sales decreased 4.7% to $198.625 million compared to $208.303 million last year. The company also reported a loss of $6.064 million compared to a loss of $988,000 last year. The company currently operates 13 Strawbridge & Clothier stores, one Home Furnishings store and 25 Clover discount stores in PA, NJ and DE.

Fay's Incorporated (315-451-8000) reported that first quarter net earnings were $772,000 compared to $1.973 million a year ago. First quarter revenues increased 11.4% to $266.4 million from $239.1 million last year and comparable store sales increased 1.8%. The company currently operates 276 drug stores in NY, PA, VT and NH.

Giant Food, Inc. (301-341-8480) reported that first quarter sales increased 4.8% to $869.235 million, up from $829,697 million for the same period last year. The company also reported that net income was up to $22.106 million, compared to $20.414 million and that comparable store sales increased 2.6%. The company currently operates 161 supermarkets and three drug stores.

Lead Sheet

Umbro Company Store

Brad Plumley

PO Box 3725 Bldg 1C

Greenville, SC 29608

803-233-0000, Fax 370-7151

Apparel

The seven-unit chain operates locations in AL, FL, PA and SC. The stores, selling active, sports and soccer apparel, occupy spaces of 4,200 sq.ft. in outlet centers. Preferred anchors include Polo, Gap and Eddie Bauer. Plans call for six openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in TX, GA, SC and FL. Leases running five years are typical.

Michael's Stores, Inc.

dba Michael's

Tony Chron

5931 Campus Circle Drive

Irving, TX 75261

214-714-7100, Fax 714-7176

Arts & Crafts

The 395-unit chain operates locations throughout North America. The stores occupy spaces of 17,500 sq.ft. in strip centers and freestanding facilities. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

Speedee Oil Change & Tune Up

Kevin Bennett

Box 1350/ 159 Highway 22 East

Madisonville, LA 70447-1350

504-845-1919, Fax 845-1936

Automotive

The 154-unit chain operates locations nationwide and internationally. The stores, offering oil changes, tune ups and brake service, occupy spaces of 2,700 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, strip and speciality centers. Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets.

Hall of Cards & Books, Inc.

dba Majarek's Hallmark, Readers World

Mike Majarek

313 E. Main Street

Niles, MI 49120

616-684-5115, Fax 684-8428

Books

The 29-unit chain operates locations in MI and IN. The book stores, which also sell Hallmark cards and gifts, occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. to 7,500 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts, freestanding facilities, regional malls, power and strip centers. Preferred anchors include upscale tenants. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 40,000 within 10 miles earning $40,000 as the average income. Leases running seven years are typical.

Recycled Paper Greeting

dba Rocs Card & Gift Stores

Ann Kessler

3636 North Broadway

Chicago, IL 60613

312-348-6410, Fax 281-1697

Cards & Gifts

The 1,300-unit chain operates locations throughout North America and Bermuda. The stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. to 2,000 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts, regional malls, specialty and strip centers. Plans call for 150 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place throughout North America.

Gramex Corp.

dba Grandpa's

Rick Meyer

11966 St. Charles Rock Road

Bridgeton, MO 63044

314-739-8300, Fax 291-7720

Discount

The 13-unit chain operates locations in MO and IL. The stores, selling family apparel, shoes, sporting goods, hard goods, supermarket non-perishable items, home decor items, jewelry, health and beauty aides and dollar items, occupy spaces of 80,000 sq.ft. to 90,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in MI and IL.

Concord Custom Cleaners

Marty Chalfant

PO Box 1000

Richmond, KY 40476

606-623-2550, Fax 624-9185

Drycleaners

The 200-unit chain operates locations in AL, FL, IL, IN, IA, KY, MO, OH and TN. The stores occupy spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. to 3,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, specialty and strip centers. Plans call for up to 15 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Leases running five years with two or three five-year options are typical.

Inkley's, Inc.

dba Inkley's

Ronald Inkley

589 N. Main Street

Layton, UT 84041

801-544-2721, Fax 546-4948

Electronics

The 22-unit chain operates locations in UT, ID, NV and WY. The stores occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Leases running five years are typical.

RaceTrack 80

Ted Kraus

c/o TKO Real Estate Advisory Group

PO Box 2630

Mercerville, NJ 08690

609-587-6200, Fax 587-3511

Entertainment

The three-unit chain operates locations in NJ and PA. The indoor auto racing and arcade facilities occupy spaces of 55,000 sq.ft. to 65,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 200,000 within five miles earning $40,000 as the average income. Leases running 10 years are typical.

Reel Entertainment

Dale Reese

PO Box 130

Veradale, WA 99037

509-924-7514, Fax 922-3735

Entertainment

The 10-unit chain operates locations in WA, OR, NJ, PA and NY. The movie theaters occupy spaces of 10,000 sq.ft. to 17,000 sq.ft. in power and strip centers. Preferred anchors include Kmart and Wal*Mart. Plans call for six openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 100,000 within 10 miles earning $35,000 as the average income. Leases running 10 years are typical.

Taco Time International, Inc.

dba Taco Time

Jim Thomas

3880 W. 11th Avenue

Eugene, OR 97402

503-687-8222, Fax 343-5208

Food

The 300-unit chain operates locations in 21 states as well as Canada, Japan and Greece. The Mexican restaurants occupy spaces of 500 sq.ft. to 600 sq.ft. in food courts and 1,500 sq.ft. to 2,100 sq.ft. in regional malls. Preferred anchors include Wal*Mart, JC Penney's and Macy's. Plans call for up to 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will primarily take place in the Western states. Preferred demographics include a population of 10,000 within three miles earning $25,000 as the average income. The company is franchising.

Cort Furniture Rental

Michael Connors

4401 Fair Lanes Court

Fairfax, VA 22033-3805

703-968-8500, Fax 968-8501

Furniture

The 100-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores, offering furniture for rent, occupy spaces of 4,000 sq.ft. to 35,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and specialty centers. Plans call for up to four openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running five to 10 years are typical.

Cutco Industries, Inc.

dba Great Expectations, Natisse, Hair Crafter

Marvin Marcus

PO Box 265

Jericho, NY 11753

800-992-0139, Fax 516-334-8575

Hair Salon

The 450-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The salons occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls, power and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

Health Haus, Inc.

David Van Vlymen

6605 SW Dover Street

Portland, OR 97225-1005

503-244-8849, Fax 244-9572

Health

The six-unit chain operates locations in OR. The nutrition stores occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls, power, specialty and strip centers. Plans call for five openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in OR and WA. Leases running seven years are typical.

Nature's Bounty, Inc.

dba Vitamin World

Pat Solt

4320 Veterans Highway

Holbrook, NY 11741

516-244-2125, Fax 244-2127

Health

The 35-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in outlet centers. Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running five years with a five-year option are typical.

Deck The Walls

dba Deck The Walls, Ashley Avery's Collectables

Charles Valles

PO Box 1187

Houston, TX 77251-1187

713-775-5263, Fax 775-5250

Home Decor

The 208-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The Deck The Walls stores, offering art and custom framing, occupy spaces of 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls, and the Ashley Avery's Collectables stores, offering collectables, occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. in regional malls. Preferred anchors include traditional department stores. Plans call for the opening of 15 Deck The Walls units and 15 Ashley Avery's Collectables units in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running 10 years are typical. The company is franchising.

Home Fashions Outlet

David Goldman

22601 Pacific Coast Highway 200

Malibu, CA 90265

310-456-5889, Fax 456-8218

Home Decor

The 12-unit chain operates locations in CA, MA, NC and SC. The stores occupy spaces of 3,500 sq.ft. to 4,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, outlet, power, specialty and strip centers. Preferred anchors include T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Payless ShoeSource, KidsMart, Clothestime, Studio 5 and supermarkets. Plans call for six openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in Southern CA. Preferred demographics include a population of 125,000 within three miles earning $50,000 as the average income. Leases running three years are typical.

C&H Rauch, Inc.

dba C&H Rauch

Peggy Stingle

1165 Center Parkway

Lexington, KY 40517

606-273-8000, Fax 273-7706

Jewelry

The 34-unit chain operates locations in KY, TN, IN, VA, WV and OH. The stores occupy spaces of 900 sq.ft. to 1,600 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in OH and IN. Leases running 10 years are typical.

James Avery Craftsmen

Mark Hogeboom

Harper Road/ PO Box 708

Kerrville, TX 78029-1367

210-895-1122, Fax 895-6601

Jewelry

The 30-unit chain operates locations in TX, OK and GA. The stores occupy spaces of 1,750 sq.ft. in regional malls, power and strip centers. Preferred anchors include Dillards, Ann Taylor, B. Dalton, Disney Store and Warner Bros Store. Plans call for five openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Southwest and Southeast regions. Preferred demographics include a population of 100,000 within five miles earning $70,000 as the average income. Leases running five to seven years are typical.

Ultra of Illinois, Inc.

dba Ultra The Gold & Diamond Store

Daniel H. Marks

29 East Madison/ Suite 508

Chicago, IL 60602

312-201-8422

Jewelry

The 12-unit chain operates locations in the Midwest. The stores occupy spaces of 600 sq.ft. to 1,800 sq.ft. in regional malls and outlet centers. Preferred anchors include Lord & Taylor. Plans call for up to 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in NV, the Midwest and East Coast regions. Leases running 10 years are typical.

National Record Mart, Inc.

dba National Record Mart

George Balicky

507 Forest Avenue

Carnegie, PA 15106

412-276-6200, Fax 276-6201

Music

The 149-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores, selling records, tapes and compact discs, occupy spaces of 2,200 sq.ft. to 4,000 sq.ft. in regional malls and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

Paper Factory of Wisconsin, Inc.

dba The Paper Factory, The Paper Outlet

Steve Rose

PO Box 2789

Appleton, WI 54913

414-738-3600, Fax 738-3658

Party Supplies

The 160-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores, selling party goods, decorations, gift wrap and accessories, occupy spaces of 3,500 sq.ft. to 4,300 sq.ft. in outlet centers. Plans call for 50 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running five years are typical.

S. Freedman & Sons, Inc.

dba The Paper Store, The Party Mart

Barry Perlis

3322 Pennsy Drive

Landover, MD 20785

301-322-5000, Fax 772-7653

Party Supplies

The 12-unit chain operates locations in MD, VA and Washington, D.C. The stores occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. in strip centers. Preferred anchors include supermarkets. Plans call for 10 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Warner Brothers Worldwide Retail

dba Studio Stores

Liz Gardner

4000 Warner Boulevard

Burbank, CA 91522

818-954-3809, Fax 954-4416

Specialty

The 110-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores, selling Warner Bros. licensed products, occupy spaces of 7,500 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide.

West Marine

Bonni Tragni

500 Westridge Drive

Watsonville, CA 95076

408-728-2700, Fax 728-5926

Specialty

The 62-unit chain operates locations in 19 states along the East Coast, West Coast, Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions as well as HI. The stores, selling boating gear and apparel, occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets.

Fry's Food Stores of Arizona, Inc.

dba Fry's Food Stores

Terry Marshall

PO Box 6016

Phoenix, AZ 85005-6016

602-269-3171, Fax 272-8886

Supermarket

The 50-unit chain operates locations in AZ. The supermarkets occupy spaces of 52,000 sq.ft. to 62,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in AZ.

Charles Scaturro & Sons, Inc.

dba Scaturro Supermarkets

Charles P. Scaturro

258-01 Hillside Avenue

Floral Park, NY 11004-1620

718-347-1101, Fax 347-1026

Supermarket

The seven-unit chain operates locations in NY. The stores occupy spaces of 10,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing market. Leases running 25 years are typical.

Schnuck Markets, Inc.

dba Schnuck Markets

Mark Schnuck

11420 Lackland Road

St. Louis, MO 63146

314-994-4444, Fax 994-4450

Supermarket

The 65-unit chain operates locations in MI, IL, IN and KS. The stores occupy spaces of 55,000 sq.ft. to 70,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for up to 30 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the metropolitan St. Louis, MO area.

Kay Bee Toy Stores

dba Kay Bee Toy Stores, Toy Works

Tony Palino

100 West Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-499-0086, Fax 499-3884

Toy Store

Kay Bee Toy Stores operate 1,100 locations nationwide while Toy Works stores operate 48 locations in MA, CT, IL, NY, MD, MN, PA, VA, FL and WI. The Kay Bee Toy Stores occupy spaces of 3,500 sq.ft. in regional malls and the Toy Works stores occupy spaces of 15,000 sq.ft. in strip centers. Plans call for the opening of 32 Kay Bee Toy Stores in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Plans call for the opening of 25 Toy Works stores in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in MI, ME and NJ.

Buyers & Sellers of Commercial Properties

Sakon Development has the listing to sell Perry Plaza II in Southington, CT. The 14,000 sq.ft. strip center is fully leased and has a first year NOI of $106,100. The asking price is $1.1 million and financing is available.

For more information, contact John Sakon at (203-793-1000), Fax (793-0020).

Colonial Properties, Inc. has the listing to sell Cromwell Center in Cromwell, CT. The site is approved for 87,000 sq.ft. of retail development and is located on Route 72 near I-91. The asking price is $2.9 million. The company also has the listing to sell Mulberry Plaza in Guilford, CT. The project has 12,000 sq.ft. of retail space and 12,000 sq.ft. of office space and is fully leased. The asking price is $1.6 million.

For more information, contact Stan Klein at (203-795-8060), Fax (795-8046).

Peter J. Schweitzer & Associates, Inc. is in the market to purchase shopping centers in FL. Preferred sites are well located and priced between $1 million and $4 million. Properties with vacancies and without anchor tenants will be considered.

For more information, contact Peter J. Schweitzer at (305-975-7553), Fax (975-7663).

MJB Real Estate Services Corp. brokered the sale of Village Walk, a 60,000 sq.ft. shopping center in Guilford, CT. The project is anchored by Rite Aid, Beaux Visages and Mail Boxes, Etc. and was purchased by Village Walk Associates, L.L.C. for $2.075 million.

For more information, contact Daniel Johnson or Mark J. Brockwell at (203-222-6200), Fax (203-222-6202).

J. Herzog & Sons, Inc. is in the market to purchase shopping centers having GLAs of at least 100,000 sq.ft., nationwide.

For more information, contact Joseph Fricke at (303-757-8811), Fax (757-1911).

National Real Estate Brokerage is in the market to purchase sites in Northern VA and MD for development of retail projects. Sites ranging in size from five acres to 25 acres are of interest.

For more information, contact Jerry Malamut at (301-770-8585), Fax (770-8591).

Malan Realty Investors, Inc. recently purchased the 248,206 sq.ft. Clinton Pointe Shopping Center in Clinton Township, MI for $12.2 million. The project, which is 97.5% leased, is anchored by Target, Sports Authority, OfficeMax and Jo-Ann Fabrics.

For more information, contact Michael K. Kaline at (810-644-7110).

HSS Real Estate has the listing to sell Southwest Square in Harvey, IL. The 61,010 sq.ft. project is anchored by a supermarket. The asking price is $1.975 million.

For more information, contact Michael J. Horne at (312-849-2044), Fax (849-2050).

Allen Fuller Co. Realtors represents investors in the market to purchase Walgreens, Wal*Mart or other credit tenant net leases. Preferred leases are at least 15 years, have a 9% cap, plus increases. Lesser credit is acceptable if the cap exceeds 10%. Prices between $2 million and $10 million are of interest. The company also has the listing to sell Walgreens, Kmart, Wal*Mart, etc. net leases, nationwide.

For more information, contact David Mufson at (305-532-0881), Fax (532-0882).

C.R. Realty has the listing to sell 105 acres of land zoned commercial in Vestal, NY. The site has approval for 605,000 sq.ft. of leasable space and has city sewer, water and gas. Surplus land could be used for housing. The asking price is $1.9 million and financing is available. The company also has the listing to sell 100 acres of land zoned commercial in Watertown, NY. The site is adjacent to Solomon Run Mall, Wal*Mart and Sam's Club near I-81. The site has city sewer, water and gas services. Subdividing of the property is possible. The asking price is $35,000 per acre and financing is available.

For more information, contact John Petrolawicz at (607-786-9916), Fax (786-9741).

Real Estate Professionals Making News

Levin Management Corporation (908-755-2401) announces that Steve Felix has joined the company as Director of Management Marketing.

Hiffman Shaffer Associates, Inc.'s Retail Division (312-332-3555) has announced that Edward M. Zifkin, CCIM, has been promoted to Senior Vice President from Vice President of the firm. The company also announces that Timothy C. Blum has been promoted to Vice President from Senior Associate of the firm.

Breslin Realty Development Corp. (516-741-7400) has announced that Beth Lamport has joined the company.

The Kislak Company, Inc. (908-750-3000) has announced the appointment of Alan. M. Lambiase as Senior Vice President and Manager of the Corporate/Commercial/Industrial Realty Division of the company.

Edward S. Gordon Company of New Jersey (212-984-8000) was awarded "Creative Real Estate Deal of the Year" by the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP for its orchestration of one of NJ's largest transactions of 1994.

Mid-America Real Estate Corp. (708-954-7300) promoted Steve Frishman to vice president. An employee of the company for seven years, he has represented national anchor tenants and regional chain stores.

Julien J. Studley, Inc. (212-326-1000) recently promoted Bruce E. Schuman and Chris A. Lovell to Corporate Vice President. Lovell was also appointed to serve on the company's Executive Manager's Committee. The company promoted Mark A. Teitelbaum to the position of Corporate Managing Director; Ted Rotante to Corporate Managing Director and Gregory L. Collins to Managing Director.

Glimcher Realty Trust (614-621-9000) announces that Vincent F. Ferrini has been appointed Ohio State Operations Chairman for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Ferrini, an Executive Vice President of Operations for Glimcher Realty Trust, he will serve a one-year term as chairman.

Realty Management Company (813-960-8154) announces the appointment of Mike Finstein as Director of Leasing.

Retailers Keeping Up with The Times

America's Research Group's (800-723-3253) recent poll of 1,000 consumers nationwide shows that the fear of crime is taking its toll on Americans, forcing them to change the hours they shop, the stores they frequent and the routes that take to and from those stores. The survey, which is produced annually for use by America's Research Group clients and the national news media, was conducted by phone from April 28-30 and presented at the International Mass Retailers Association meeting in Boston, MA on May 15. The poll revealed that 26.7% of consumers had changed the way they shop due to crime, and 79.5% of shoppers felt that crime would get worse in the next two years. Other findings of the survey include: consumers have changed their driving habits because of a fear of crime. More than 40% are afraid to drive to stores they used to shop, and more than one in four now shop closer to home than they did two years ago; more than one out of six surveyed plan to shop less in the future because of a fear of crime; nearly half of the people said they are shopping convenience stores less and 38.6% say they will shop convenience stores less in the future. Another 14.5% said they would shop supermarkets and drug stores less, 9.6% said they would shop major malls less and five percent said they would shop discount stores less. Consumers were split on the use of security cameras in retail stores, with 47.5% saying they would be more likely shop at a store using cameras and 48.1% not inclined to shop a store based on the presence of security cameras. Six in 10 shoppers now carry less cash with them when they shop and 42.3% use charge cards more when shopping. Fear of crime has impacted shopping habits over a long period of time. When asked when they first started to change their shopping habits, 17.7% answered two years ago or longer, 11.2% said one year and 3.7% said within the last six months. The consumers were also asked their greatest concerns while shopping and responded with the following list: Driving through a neighborhood with a high reported crime rate; Walking anywhere at night; Carrying a large sum of money; Walking back to the car with hands full of packages; Unlocking the car; Walking in a large parking lot; Being around a lot of teenagers; Anytime a wallet or purse is open; Standing at a cash register waiting to pay; Walking through an enclosed shopping mall; and Driving to and from stores.

The Home Depot (404-433-8211) plans to begin airing a one-hour home improvement show called HouseSmart on The Discovery Channel beginning in September. The show will cover subjects that range from home repair and design solutions to energy savings and weekend projects.

Sequel Software, Inc. (970-385-4660), a manufacturer and retailer of outdoor clothing, now allows its customers to test their clothes in an outdoor simulator. Located at the company's store in Boulder, CO the test chamber is shrouded by natural rock formations and plants creating an outdoor environment inside the store. The chamber can simulate rain, wind, thunder, lightning and hail. The purpose of the chamber is to allow customers to test the company's outerwear to see how waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable it is. The chamber cost $10,000 to build and is located in the store's front window.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. (708-286-2500) plans to expand its private labels by introducing three apparel lines and one cosmetics line. The apparel lines include Canyon River Blues, a denim line; Field Master, a line similar to Timberland; and Dennis Connor Stars & Stripes, a line similar to Nautica.

Circuit City (804-527-4000) is testing the concept of selling used cars at locations in Cobb County and Gwinnett County, GA. Called CarMax, the locations stock over 1,000 vehicles each and sell them with a no-haggle, low-key approach.

Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. (502-245-8900) and GB Foods Corporation (402-571-1128) recently entered into a development agreement that will allow Rally's to sell Green Burrito products at its restaurants.