|
Who’s Opening& Where
|
|
|
Who’s Opening& WhereThe Outernet (952-942-7120) opened its flagship location last month in Apple Valley, MN. The 50,000 sq.ft. store is designed to let customers created their own custom CDS from upwards of two million choices of music, games, software, e-books and other digital content. Under this concept, traditional retail inventory is replaced by an automated digital distribution process. Customers can choose the content they want at over 200 selection stations in the store by swiping their membership cards, selecting what they want and picking up their newly-burned CDS on their way out of the store. The company has plans for as many as 20 units by the end of 2001.
Max & Erma’s Restaurants, Inc. (614-431-5800) plans to open two restaurants during the fourth quarter of 2000 and eight restaurants during 2001. Additionally, the company signed a franchise agreement for four restaurants in St. Louis, MO, the first of which is slated to open before the end of the year.
The following retailers are slated to open stores at Arena Hub shopping center, a retail project located in Wilkes-Barre, PA: Best Buy (612-995-7049) plans to open a 30,000 sq.ft. store, typical for its less-urban units, during the Spring of 2001; Bed, Bath & Beyond (908-688-0888) is planning a store as well; Staples (508-370-8500) already operates a location in nearby Edwardsville, PA, but claims it has no plans to close it when its new store opens; Old Navy (415-952-4400) will open its second store in the region. The first operates at Viewmont Mall in the Scranton, PA region; Avenue (201-909-2192) plans to open a unit as well at the center.
Selective Eyewear Elements (248-945-0313) plans to open an eyewear boutique in West Palm Beach, FL this month. The unit will join an existing location on Lincoln Road in Miami, FL. The company plans to limit the number of units to no more than 40 nationwide in an attempt to keep the concept relatively exclusive.
City Brew (865-523-0750) plans to open a microbrewery and restaurant in the space formerly occupied by The Great Southern Brewery Co. located on Gay Street in Knoxville, TN. The restaurant will brew its own beer on site. The company is currently revamping the facility in anticipation of opening in the coming months.
Jo Ann Stores Inc. (330-463-3461) opened a total of 11 units (nine superstores and two traditional stores) during the first half of its fiscal year 2001. The company expects to open a total of seven superstores and to relocate or expand two traditional stores during the balance of the year.
Charming Stores, Inc. (215-638-6909) plans to open 105 units, remodel 60 additional stores and relocate 50 others during its fiscal year 2001.
PETsMART (623-580-6100) plans to continue its expansion in its existing markets of operation. The company plans to open 40 superstores during its fiscal year 2000. Its stores typically measure 19,000 sq.ft., are leased, and are considered fill-in locations in existing markets. The previous 26,000 sq.ft. prototype store will be used for the balance of the openings during 2000, numbering 15. The company expects that the smaller stores will comprise all of its future locations as the concept matures. Of the 15 stores to open during the balance of 2000, 11 will open in North America.
Mazel Stores Inc. (440-248-5200) plans to open 13 to 15 stores during its fiscal year 2000. As of the end of July, nine of the stores have already opened.
Michael’s (972-409-1300) plans to more than double the size of its national chain of craft stores during the coming 50 months. The company, which operates approximately 600 Michael’s and 100 Aaron Brothers stores, hopes to have 1,000 Michael’s and as many as 600 Aaron Brothers stores open by the end of 2004. Additionally, the company believes that it has the potential for two growth vehicles with its recent acquisition of a frame manufacturing and design business, and a business-to-business sales operation called Star Decorators Wholesale Warehouse.
Home Depot (770-433-8211) opened its first NJ location of its Expo Design Center concept on Springfield Avenue in Union, NJ. The company is scouting locations for another unit in Paramus, NJ to open some time during the coming 18 months. The Union store is the company’s 18th Expo Design Center. Plans call for a concentrated expansion of the concept nationwide, with immediate emphasis in the Southwest.
Manhattan Bagel (732-544-0155) opened a franchise store located on Broad Street adjacent to the Peter Rodino building in Newark, NJ. The 2,750 sq.ft. unit becomes the company’s first in the Newark market and its 52nd in NJ. The store was franchised by United Community Corp.
|