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Who's Opening & Where
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Who's Opening & Where Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (817-496-4414) is planning to open stores in east Houston, TX and Odgen, UT. Overall, the company is looking to open as many as 12 stores this year. The Houston store will be located on Spencer Highway at the San Jac Shopping Center. The Ogden store will be located on South 1900 West in the Roy Marketplace Plaza. Tandy Leather Factory makes and distributes leather goods and related products, such as leatherworking tools, buckles and belt supplies, leather dyes, saddle and tack hardware, do-it-yourself craft kits, suede lace, western-hat trim and fringe. The company operates 30 wholesale distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada. Its Retail Leathercraft division operates about 60 retail stores and sells to leatherworking hobbyists via catalogs. In addition TLF owns Roberts, Cushman & Company, a manufacturer of custom hat trims.
Off The Grill Franchising, LLC (615-370-0700) is planning to open 10 locations this year, as well as 15 locations during 2007. The company operates and franchises approximately 13 fast-casual steak and burger restaurants that offer dine-in and take-out services, as well as free home delivery. Off The Grill locations can be found in 10 states nationwide. The restaurants serve a variety of grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, and salads.
Good Times Restaurants, Inc. (303-384-1400) is planning to open 10 restaurants for the remainder of the year throughout CO, MT, ND and WY. Four of the restaurants are expected to be company-owned and operated and six will be developed under new franchise agreements, with a combination of both Good Times single brand stores and Good Times/Taco John’s co-branded stores. The company currently operates and franchises 44 Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard locations, mostly in CO. The chain is made up mostly of double drive-thru and walk-up eateries that feature a menu of burgers, fries and frozen custards. A limited number of Good Times outlets also offer dine-in seating. The company owns almost a dozen of its units, while the rest are operated through joint ventures or by franchisees. Most of its restaurants are in the Denver area.
Shoe Carnival, Inc. (812-867-6471) is planning to open between 13 and 15 stores during fiscal 2006. The company currently operates approximately 261 footwear stores throughout 23 states featuring bright lights and neon signs. Shoe Carnival sells brandname and private-label men’s, women’s (25% of sales), children’s, and athletic (40%) footwear. The shoe seller had been adding about 30 stores annually, but has recently scaled back its expansion plans.
Genesco, Inc. (615-367-7000) is planning to open as many as 60 Journeys stores during fiscal 2007, as well as 25 Journeys Kidz stores, 12 Shi by Journeys stores, 85 to 90 Hat World stores and 12 Johnston & Murphy stores. The company sells casual and dress shoes, primarily for men and boys, to some 1,600 U.S. and Canadian department, discount, and specialty stores, as well as through about 900 company-owned stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Shoes made by Genesco include its Johnston & Murphy line, as well as a line of licensed Dockers brand footwear. The company also licenses its Johnston & Murphy brand for use on accessories and apparel.
Conn’s, Inc. (409-832-1696) is planning to open as many as four stores by January 2007. The retailer sells appliances such refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers and consumer electronics such as VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, LCD and plasma-screen TVs through more than 58 stores in LA and TX. Conn’s also offers home office equipment, lawn and garden products, and other home products such as bedding. The company operates 20 stores in the Houston, TX area, 12 in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, eight in San Antonio, five in Austin, four in southeast TX, one in Corpus Christi, two in south TX and six stores in LA.
The Fresh Grocer (610-622-1100) is planning to open five stores throughout the Delaware Valley. Three of the retailer’s pending projects set to open next year will be located within the Philadelphia, PA city limits, including locations at Progress Plaza on North Broad Street; at the corner of Chelten and Pulaski Avenues in Germantown, PA and near LaSalle University in Olney, PA. The retailer also will open a unit in Jersey City, NJ on the ground floor of the Newport condominiums on the Hudson River and it will convert a Wilmington store that now trades under the Great Valu banner to a Fresh Grocer store. The company currently operates locations in Drexel Hill; Barclay Square in Upper Darby and in West Philadelphia at 4001 Walnut Street, 5601 Chestnut Street and 54th and Chester. The company also has one other Great Valu store, at the intersection of 58th and Baltimore in Philadelphia. The high-end Fresh Grocer banner offers a variety of fresh prepared foods, a large selection of meats and wild-caught seafood, a coffee bar, a fresh sushi bar, brick-oven pizza, a bakery, a juice bar, and a variety of gourmet and prepared foods, including organic offerings.
Gander Mountain Co. (651-325-4300) is planning to open a total of eight stores this year. The company expects to open stores in Huntsville, AL; Lake Mary, FL; Knoxville, TN; Winchester, VA and Charleston, WV during September and October. Three of the new stores will be renovations of existing buildings, while two are being built for Gander Mountain. All the locations will have outside selling areas for boats, ATVs and other large items. Each will include an in-store professional gunsmith, a full-service archery shop with shooting lanes and a Gander Lodge meeting space available to local organizations free of charge. The Lake Mary store, located near Orlando, will carry a broad assortment of fishing and recreational boats, in addition to the usual selection of canoes and kayaks. It will also carry SCUBA equipment and an expanded assortment of snorkeling gear as part of Gander Mountain’s partnership with Divers Direct. The company currently operates 99 Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores throughout 18 mainly Midwestern states. In addition to outdoor equipment and related accessories, the stores also sell apparel and footwear, as well as all terrain vehicles and gear.
Satura Cakes (650-472-1573) is planning to open as many as 50 locations nationwide. The company recently opened a store at the intersection of University Avenue and Bryant Street in Palo Alto, CA. The Japanese-style pastry company features a minimalist approach to cookies, cakes and tarts. The amount of sugar is reduced to allow the flavor of other ingredients to stand out more clearly.
J. Lindberg (212-625-8600) is planning to begin a rollout of retail stores beginning with the opening of a JL store in Dallas during September. Also, the J. Lindberg flagship stores in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA will undergo renovations.
Golf Galaxy, Inc. (952-941-8848) is planning to open between 14 and 16 stores this year. The company currently operates more than 61 golf superstores throughout 24 states. Its stores, which range between 13,000 sq.ft. and 17,000 sq.ft., offer equipment, apparel and shoes, gifts, accessories, books and videos. Golf Galaxy also sells pre-owned clubs and has a trade-in program. In-store amenities include computer video swing analysis, on-site certified club technicians, indoor driving bays, full-sized putting greens, and advice on equipment from a staff made up of PGA and LPGA professionals. Golf Galaxy also operates a Web site golfgalaxy.com for virtual shoppers.
The Wet Seal, Inc. (949-699-3900) is planning to open 20 to 25 stores this year, with the expectation to accelerate growth beginning next year. The company operates approximately 400 shops throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico that sell moderately priced casual clothing and accessories. Most of the 300-plus Wet Seal stores are mall-based and appeal to junior women ages 17 to 19. The retailer’s more upscale Arden B. chain runs about 90 stores that target women ages 18 to 40. About 25% of the company’s stores are in CA, FL and TX. Wet Seal sells namebrand and private-label merchandise through its stores and Web sites.
O’Charley’s, Inc. (615-256-8500) is planning to open more Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub locations throughout the Philadelphia, PA market this year. The company also is planning to open more Stoney River restaurants throughout the Nashville, TN area, as well as in the St. Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA markets later this year. The company operates and franchises more than 230 of its namesake casual-dining restaurants throughout 16 states across the southeastern and midwestern U.S. Its eateries feature moderately priced menu items such as steak, chicken, pasta and seafood. O’Charley’s also owns Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub, a chain of more than 100 casual-dining spots located primarily in New England, and seven Stoney River Legendary Steaks locations offering more-upscale dining.
Red Brick Pizza (909-444-9909) is planning to open as many as 50 locations this year. The company also has development agreements in place for more than 1,200 openings during the coming decade. Red Brick’s typical neighborhood pizza café occupies approximately 2,000 sq.ft. The restaurant features an exposed brick oven plus 15-inch LCD televisions at every table. Customers walk up to place orders. The company currently operates 50 locations throughout eight states.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (612-291-1000) is planning to open a Best Buy store at The Avenue, an 808,000 sq.ft. center located on Medical Center Parkway near Interstate 24 in Murfreesboro, TN. The company currently operates a chain of approximately 785 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada offering a wide variety of electronic gadgets, movies, music, computers and appliances. In addition to selling products, the stores offer installation and maintenance services, technical support, and subscriptions for cellphone and Internet services. Covering an average of about 42,000 sq.ft., the big box stores are located in 49 states and five Canadian provinces. In addition to the Best Buy brand, the company operates under the names Magnolia Audio Video (20 stores in the US) and Future Shop (about 120 locations in Canada).
California Tortilla (301-545-0035) is planning to open 10 restaurants this year, including locations in Philadelphia, PA, southern NJ and Williamsburg and Richmond, VA. The company recently opened a two-level location on Main Street in Newark, DE that occupies a space of 4,700 sq.ft. The restaurant’s interior is painted orange, lime green and yellow. A glass case stocked with bottles of hot sauce lines the entryway and red chili-pepper lights hang from the black ceiling.
Raving Brands (404-844-3225) is planning to open as many as 715 locations this year. The company currently operates the following concepts: Moe’s Southwest Grill with 288 locations; Planet Smoothie with 125 locations; PJ’s Coffee with 38 locations; Mama Fu’s Asian House with 23 locations; Shane’s Rib Shack with 19 locations; Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads with seven locations; Monkey Joe’s with four locations; Boneheads Grilled Fish and Piri Piri Chicken with three locations and Flying Biscuit with two locations. The company is looking to operate as many as 1,500 locations by 2008.
Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (952-294-1300) is planning to open between 25 and 30 restaurants annually, maintaining a 30-to70 ratio between company and franchised units. Famous Dave’s of America operates and franchises more than 120 barbecue restaurants throughout about 30 states, primarily IL, MN and WI. The eateries serve St. Louis-style ribs, Georgia chopped pork and Texas brisket. Most restaurants resemble 1930s-era roadhouse shacks, although others follow the decor of a hunting lodge or a Chicago-style blues club featuring live music. The company also distributes barbecue sauce, seasonings, and prepared meats through grocery stores and other retail outlets.
AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (212-541-3300) is planning to open approximately 60 Ann Taylor LOFT stores this year. The company is a national retailer of upscale women’s clothing designed exclusively for its stores. Its Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT shops offer apparel, shoes and accessories. Targeting fashion-conscious professional women, AnnTaylor operates approximately 825 stores throughout 46 states across the nation, as well as the Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Most are located in malls and upscale retail centers. Ann Taylor LOFT stores offer their own label of mid-priced apparel, while Ann Taylor Factory Stores offer clearance merchandise. Ann Taylor also has its own e-commerce Web site.
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. (310-536-0611) is planning to open a total of 20 stores during fiscal 2006. The company, which started out with five army surplus shops in 1955, is now a leading sporting goods retailer with approximately 327 stores throughout CA, WA, AZ and seven other western states. The company sells namebrand equipment and clothing for indoor and outdoor activities including camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snowboarding and more. Big 5 has stuck with a neighborhood-store format rather than opening large superstores.
Zumiez, Inc. (425-551-1500) is planning to open a total of 42 stores this year. In addition, the consummation of a recently announced agreement to acquire Fast Forward will give the company another 19 stores. The online and mall-based retailer offers swank swag-like clothing, shoes, accessories, and gear to 12- to 24-year-olds who enjoy such action sports as snowboarding, BMX, skateboarding, and surfing. From approximately 179 stores throughout 19 states, Zumiez sells popular youth brands like Billabong, Burton, Hurley, Quiksilver, Vans, and Spy Optic, as well as a private-label goods. Besides the usual hoodies, T-shirts, puffy skater shoes, and snowboarding goggles, stores also sport couches, video games, and sales clerks who really use the gear, all designed to encourage the kids to hang out.
Kohl’s Corp. (262-703-7000) is planning to open stores in the Miami-Dade and Broward County, FL areas. The company is looking to open stores in south FL by late 2007 or in 2008. Kohl’s also is planning to expand beyond its typical suburban setting with tests of new urban expansion prototypes in New York, NY and Chicago, IL. The company operates 749 discount department stores throughout 43 states. The stores specialize in moderately priced brandname and private-label apparel, shoes, accessories, and housewares.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. (407-333-7440) is planning to open five to seven restaurants this year, including a flagship location in Lake Mary, FL. Ruth’s Chris Steak House operates the nation’s largest chain of high-end steak houses, with more than 90 company-owned and franchised locations throughout approximately 30 states. The chain’s menu sports a variety of steak cuts, along with lamb, veal, and fresh seafood. It also offers a number of appetizers and an extensive wine list. More than 40 of the restaurants are operated by the company, while the rest are franchised. In addition to its domestic locations, Ruth’s Chris has restaurants five other countries, including Mexico, Taiwan and Canada.
Design Within Reach, Inc. (415-676-6500) is planning to open about 10 Design Within Reach storerooms this year. Design Within Reach sells European-style home furnishings, including sofas, lounge chairs, coffee and end tables, shelving units, dining tables, office chairs, rugs, lighting, Sonno mattresses, and related accessories. Its contemporary goods are sold through more than 55 retail studios nationwide, primarily located in CA, a catalog with nearly a million copies distributed monthly and online through its Web site.
Stupid Prices, Inc. (425-488-2601) is planning to open at least four stores in the Sacramento, CA area, and a total of a dozen locations throughout northern CA. The chain specializes in selling furniture, electronics, clothing, lawn and garden merchandise and food items liquidated from warehouse club stores and other major retailers. The company’s stores are typically between 15,000 sq.ft. and 20,000 sq.ft. in second-generation buildings such as former warehouses, closed supermarkets and in other freestanding spaces. Stupid Prices has opened 15 stores during the past three years.
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (417-862-6708) is planning to open 170 to 175 stores this year. O’Reilly Automotive sells aftermarket parts, automotive tools, professional service equipment, and accessories through more than 1,200 O’Reilly auto parts stores, mostly throughout MO, OK and TX and through its Web site. The company sells new and remanufactured auto parts, such as alternators and fuel pumps, maintenance items like oil and antifreeze, accessories such as floor mats and seat covers, and a full line of auto body paint.
Juice It Up! Franchise Corp. (949-475-0146) is planning to open as many as 50 locations this year throughout AZ, CA, FL, NV and TX. The company also is looking to open 75 to 100 stores nationwide during the coming three to five years. The outlets also offer fresh squeezed juice, premium coffee and herbal teas. Other than CA, locations can be found in AZ, FL, NY, TN and WA.
Deb Shops, Inc. (215-676-6000) is planning to open as many as 15 to 20 locations during fiscal 2007. Deb Shops sells moderately priced accessories, coats, dresses, lingerie, shoes, and sportswear through more than 325 stores across the U.S., most of them in malls in the Midwest and Northeast. The DEB chain makes up almost all of the company’s stores. About half of all DEB stores contain plus-size departments. Other chains include CSO outlet stores and Tops ‘N Bottoms, which offers apparel for young men and junior-sized women.
Let’s Dish (651-789-2236) is planning to open a location at Sparkleberry Crossing, a center located off Interstate 20 at Clemson Road and Sparkleberry in West Columbia, SC this summer. The retail meal preparation store chain is projecting a surge in new locations from a beginning of the year count of nine stores in four states to 30 locations throughout 10 states by year’s end. Multiple locations are planned in Boston, MA and St. Louis and Kansas City, MO. Another four to six locations are planned for the Twin Cities area of MN.
PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (858-453-7845) is planning to open approximately 90 stores this year, or 75 new stores net of relocations and closings. The company expects to open approximately 20 new stores during the second quarter of this year. In addition, the company expects to remodel approximately 35 stores for the full year. Petco Animal Supplies is a holding company for Petco Animal Supplies Stores, which is the second-largest specialty pet supplies retailer in the U.S. with about 799 stores.
JCPenney Co., Inc. (972-431-1000) is planning to open more locations this year. The retailer operates more than 1,000 JCPenney department stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Coach, Inc. (212-594-1850) is planning to open as many as 25 Coach retail stores in malls and centers owned by General Growth Properties, Inc. Coach designs and manufactures classically styled, high-quality leather goods and accessories, including purses, outerwear, luggage and gloves. The company also licenses its name for watches, eyewear, footwear, and furniture. Coach sells its wares through department and outlet stores in the U.S. and in 19 other countries, catalogs, and its Web site. It also runs approximately 285 stores in the U.S. and plans to open about 20 new stores annually.
Too, Inc. (614-775-3500) is planning to open 65 to 70 Justice stores this year, as well as eight Limited Too stores. The company’s Limited Too chain of about 575 stores throughout 46 states and Puerto Rico offers apparel, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and even furnishings to trendy “tweens” (girls ages 7-14). The company also operates approximately 102 Justice stores, also aimed at ‘tween girls. In addition Too sells through its Web site and through “catazines” (catalogs with editorial content). Too has about 20 licensed stores in the Middle East.
Citi Trends, Inc. (912-236-1561) is planning to open an additional 25 to 28 stores this year, bringing the total of stores opened to 278. The urban fashion apparel and accessory chain operates approximately 253 stores throughout 16 U.S. states, with focus primarily on the African-American market. Its namebrand and private-label offerings, which include hip-hop jeans and oversized T-shirts; men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing; shoes; housewares; and accessories, are sold at 20% to 60% less than department and specialty stores’ regular prices.
99 Cents Only Stores (323-980-8145) is planning to increase its store growth by approximately 10% by opening stores in current markets, mainly in CA. 99 Cents Only Stores sells closeout and regular general merchandise for 99 cents or less. With approximately 234 stores, the company sells brandname and private-label food and beverages, health and beauty aids, household goods, toys and more. Most of the company’s stores are in southern CA, but there are also a few in central CA, Las Vegas, NV; Phoenix, AZ and TX. The firm’s Bargain Wholesale unit distributes discounted merchandise to retailers, distributors and exporters.
Dell, Inc. (512-338-4400) is planning to open retail stores in West Nyack, NY and in Dallas, TX. Dell already has a retail presence with 161 kiosks scattered around the country, allowing customers to quickly order products from the Dell factory. The new stores will stick to that model, only permitting display models to be handled. The stores are expected to occupy spaces of about 3,000 sq.ft. The company provides a broad range of computer and entertainment products for the consumer and enterprise markets. In addition to a full line of desktop and notebook PCs, Dell offers network servers, workstations, storage systems, printers, handheld computers, digital music players, LCD and plasma televisions, projectors and Ethernet switches. The company also markets third-party software and peripherals. Dell’s growing services unit provides systems integration, support, and training.
Caché, Inc. (212-575-3200) is planning to open a new concept called Cache Luxe. The company intends to convert 17 Lillie Rubin locations to Cache Luxe stores and two Lillie Rubin locations to Cache stores. All of the Cache Luxe locations will be in malls that also contain a Cache store. The Cache Luxe concept will enable the company to offer a larger selection of casual and evening apparel and accessories at higher price points. In addition, Cache stores located in malls containing a Cache Luxe store will have increased capacity to offer an expanded casual assortment. The company also is planning to open approximately 20 new Cache stores and close six low productivity stores with their natural lease expiration date. At year’s end, the company expects to operate 300 Cache and Cache Luxe locations throughout 43 US states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sportswear, including casual wear, collections, and separates, accounts for the majority of store sales.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (253-395-3780) is planning to open a store in Boulder, CO. The space was formerly occupied by Old Navy. The move will give REI 42,000 sq.ft. at Marshall’s Plaza located on 28th Street. Opening is slated for October 2007. Through nearly 80 outlets in 25 states, REI sells high-end gear, clothing, and footwear, including private-label goods, for outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, and skiing, as well as for hiking, bicycling, and camping. The company also repairs gear, and it sells merchandise online and through occasional catalogs. Its travel service, REI Adventures, offers trips such as cycling the Alps, sea kayaking Costa Rica, and hiking New Zealand.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (724-776-4857) is planning to open a lingerie line dubbed Aerie this fall. It will expand its intimates section in existing stores and open three freestanding locations to carry the new line. The mall-based retailer sells casual apparel and accessories such as shirts, jeans, shorts, sweaters, skirts, footwear, belts and bags aimed at men and women ages 15 to 25. Virtually all of the company’s products bear its private-label brand names: American Eagle Outfitters and AE. It operates more than 850 American Eagle stores in the U.S. and Canada. Direct sales come from the company’s Web site and its AE Magazine, a lifestyle magazine which doubles as a catalog.
Potbelly Sandwich Works (312-951-0600) is planning to open 30 to 40 locations this year. Potbelly Sandwich Works owns and operates more than 110 sandwich restaurants throughout IN, IN, MI, MN, TX, WI and Washington, DC. Each restaurant offers such sandwiches as A Wreck (four-meat blend), Pizza (marinara sauce, provolone, and pepperoni), and Big Jack’s PB&J (peanut butter and jelly). Potbelly also sells chili, smoothies, soups and a homemade ice cream sandwich.
Fractured Prune (410-250-4400) is planning to open a franchised location in Raleigh, NC. The company, which sells doughnuts, currently operates, or has commitments for, locations in Ocean City, MD; Rehoboth, DE; Lusby/Solomons Island, MD; West Ocean City, MD; Silver Spring, MD; Rockville, MD; Dupont Circle in Washington, DC; Ellicott City, MD; Annapolis, MD; Perry Hall, MD and Cloverly, MD.
Slumberland, Inc. (651-482-7500) is planning to open more locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. The company currently operates nearly 100 stores throughout 10 states. It first opened its doors as a specialty mattress shop in 1967, but today Slumberland also offers furniture for the bedroom, dining and living room. It is the leading retailer of La-Z-Boy upholstery and also sells Natuzzi leather pieces and both Sealy and Simmons mattresses. Franchising has become an increasingly vital part of Slumberland’s strategy for expansion.
Food Lion, LLC (704-633-8250) is planning to open 14 Bottom Dollar Food stores by the end of the summer throughout the Washington, DC area. The stores will be remodels of existing Food Lion units. Eight stores are slated to open this month, including locations in Woodbridge, Alexandria and Dumfries, VA; and Frederick, Laurel and Gaithersburg, MD. In August, another three stores will be opening in Sterling, Manassas and Chantilly, VA. The company designed the discount grocery model with a limited selection of the most popular national brands and private label products, as well as fresh produce and quality meats at discounted prices. The stores also use no-frills fixtures and alternative display and stocking techniques that are more efficient and cost-effective, such as cut shelves, pallets and dump bins. Customers bag their own groceries. Food Lion operates about 1,225 supermarkets throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states under the Food Lion, Bloom and Bottom Dollar banners. Half of the company’s stores are in the Carolinas, but it also has outlets in nine other states, including MD, VA and TN.
Hy-Vee, Inc. (515-267-2800) is planning to open a 70,000 sq.ft. Hy-Vee store on Wanamaker Road in Topeka, KS. The company currently operates approximately 220 Hy-Vee supermarkets throughout IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NE and SD. About half of its supermarkets are in IA, as are most of its 25-plus Drug Town drugstores. It distributes products to its stores through several subsidiaries, including Lomar Distributing (specialty foods), Perishable Distributors of Iowa (fresh foods), and Florist Distributing (flowers).
Stater Bros. Holdings, Inc. (909-783-5000) is opening a 44,000 sq.ft. supermarket in Highland, CA. Stater Bros. Holdings operates more than 160 full service Stater Bros. Markets throughout approximately six counties, primarily in the Riverside and San Bernardino areas. The grocery chain also owns and operates milk and juice processor Santee Dairies (aka Heartland Farms), one of the state’s largest milk processors.
Charming Shoppes, Inc. (215-245-9100) is planning to open approximately 75 Lane Bryant Outlet stores this month and next month. The company currently operates about 2,241 stores throughout 48 U.S. states at three apparel chains that cater to plus-size women: 1,023 Fashion Bug stores that sell moderately priced apparel and accessories in girls, juniors, misses, and plus sizes; more than 466 Catherines Plus Size stores; and some 752 Lane Bryant stores. Across the U.S., Charming Shoppes serves low- to middle-income women and teens who follow fashion styles rather than set them. Overall, plus-size apparel accounts for more than 70% of the company’s sales.
Saks, Inc. (205-940-4000) is planning to open Parisian stores in Birmingham, AL and in Little Rock, AR by the fall. The company also intends to reopen its Saks Fifth Avenue store in New Orleans by November. Saks currently operates 54 Saks Fifth Avenue luxury department stores throughout 25 states and 50 outlet stores under the Off 5th banner. It also owns nearly 40 Parisian department stores in the Southeast and Midwest and about 55 Club Libby Lu specialty shops, acquired in 2003.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (724-273-3400) is planning to open as many as 40 stores this year. Dick’s Sporting Goods currently operates some 263 stores throughout 34 states. The stores contain on average five smaller store-within-a-store areas featuring sporting goods, apparel, and footwear for leisure pursuits ranging from football, golf, and cycling, to hunting and camping. Dick’s also sells merchandise online. Besides brands like NIKE and adidas, Dick’s carries Ativa, Walter Hagen, and others exclusive to the company.
Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. (314-259-6200) is planning to open 12 Hardee’s restaurants by January. The chain offers a variety of premium-priced Angus beef hamburgers under such names as Thickburger, Six Dollar Burger, and the Monster Thickburger. Hardee’s also serves up chicken sandwiches, salads, fries, and beverages, as well as dessert items. The chain is located primarily in the Midwest and Southeast; about a third of the restaurants are operated by the company, while the rest are franchised. Hardee’s is a subsidiary of fast food giant CKE Restaurants.
Ross Stores, Inc. (925-965-4400) is planning to open a Ross Dress For Less store at Shops at Vineyard Village, a center located at the southeast corner of Glade Road and Texas 121 in Euless, TX. Ross Stores operates two discount clothing chains with about 735 outlets. The company sells mostly closeout merchandise, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, at prices well below those of department and specialty stores. Although apparel accounts for nearly two-thirds of sales, the stores also sell small furnishings, educational toys and games, luggage, and gourmet foods in select stores. Featuring the Ross “Dress for Less” trademark, the chain targets 25- to 54-year-old white-collar shoppers from primarily middle-income households. Ross stores are located in strip malls in 26 states, mostly in the western U.S., and Guam.
Cosi, Inc. (847-597-8800) is planning to open 10 company-owned restaurants by the end of the second quarter. Overall, the company is looking to open 17 locations this year. The company operates and franchises more than 100 eclectic Cosí cafés throughout about 15 states offering premium and specialty coffees and made-to-order sandwiches. Its menu also features breakfast items, including its bagel-inspired Squagels, salads, soups, and desserts. Most of its restaurants also offer dinner and drinks after 5 p.m., while its Cosí Downtown units, which account for about a quarter of its cafés and are primarily located in non-residential business districts, close in the evening. Cosi also offers delivery and catering services and operates a handful of coffee kiosks in Macy’s department stores.
CVS Corp. (401-765-1500) is planning to open a CVS drug store in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, FL. The 13,000 sq.ft. CVS on LPGA Boulevard is slated to open by January. The chain currently operates 20 stores in Volusia County and three in Flagler County. CVS currently operates approximately 5,222 stores throughout 42 states.
Wal*Mart Stores, Inc. (479-273-4000) is planning to open a 203,000 sq.ft. Wal*Mart Supercenter store north of Lewisburg, PA on Route 15. The store would be situated on a land area of 31.7 acres. The supercenter will anchor a 60-acre shopping center. Already on the site are a Sheetz and Applebee’s with a mini-mall under construction and several unsold plots available. The company currently operates more than 5,700 stores, including some 1,350 Wal*Mart stores, nearly 2,000 Wal*Mart Supercenter locations in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and 550 Sam’s Club stores. Nearly 75% of its stores are in the U.S., but Wal*Mart is expanding internationally; it is the top retailer in Canada and Mexico. It owns 42% of Japanese supermarket chain SEIYU. Wal-Mart also has operations in Asia, Europe and South America.
Starbucks Corp. (206-447-1575) is planning to open three Starbucks coffee shops in the Jacinto Valley in CA. Stores are planned for Esplenade and Sanderson Avenues and State Street and Ramona Expressway, both in San Jacinto, and New Chicago and Florida Avenues in Hemet. Starbucks currently operates approximately 10,000 coffee shops throughout more than 30 countries. The shops offer coffee drinks and food items, as well as beans, coffee accessories, teas, and CDs. Starbucks owns about 6,000 of its shops, which are located in 10 countries, mostly in the U.S., while licensees and franchisees operate more than 4,200 units worldwide, primarily in shopping centers and airports. The company also owns and franchises the Seattle’s Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia chains in the U.S. In addition, Starbucks markets its coffee through grocery stores and licenses its brand for other food and beverage products.
Old Time Pottery, Inc. (615-890-2100) is planning to open a 93,000 sq.ft. store at the site of the vacant Century Mall store in Merrillville, IN. Opening is slated for the fall. Old Time Pottery operates a chain of approximately 30 stores in 10 mostly southern states that sell discounted closeout and overstock housewares, silk flowers, framed art, linens, rugs, craft supplies and more. The company gets its inventory, which it displays in a warehouse-type setting, from the canceled orders and excess stock of manufacturers.
Walgreen Co. (847-914-2500) is planning to open multiple stores in the Beckley, WV area. Walgreen operates more than 5,000 stores throughout 45 states and Puerto Rico, and has three mail order facilities. Prescription drugs account for nearly 64% of sales; the rest comes from general merchandise, over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, and groceries. For added convenience, more than two-thirds of its stores offer drive-thru pharmacies, and almost all offer one-hour photo processing.
H. E. Butt Grocery Co. (210-938-8000) is planning to open an H-E-B Plus store on the site of the former McCreless Mall in San Antonio, TX. Opening is slated for 2008. In addition to groceries, the stores sell such merchandise as furniture and entertainment products. The 50-acre project will be an open-air project and include 450,000 sq.ft. of retail space. H-E-B acquired the 43-year-old mall along Southcross Boulevard in 2003. |