Disqus - Latest Comments for ElaineMi

Re: Lifestyle Centers Evolve and Adapt to Stay Afloat

ElaineMi — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:28:22 -0000

We actually address that question to a degree in our Signs of Life article in the March/April issue. It seems most people in the retail industry still think of lifestyle as being more just an architectural style. It's a whole-concept definition, which includes a reliance on largely discretionary retailers and a high percentage of entertainment venues in the tenant mix, including restaurants, movie theaters and bowling alleys. But the definition is definitely still evolving.

Re: Closings Loom as Sears Holdings Continues to Struggle

ElaineMi — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:01:19 -0000

Thanks for your input. Perhaps we should have phrased our point differently--the experts we spoke too feel the portfolio is too large to allow Sears to run a successful retail operation on a long-term basis. Most of them admit that Sears Holdings has been making a profit, but that profit has been built largely on cutting costs wherever possible, not on building brand value, or market share, or improving comparable sales in a meaningful way.

Re: ‘Misguided’ Tenant Mix Sinks Retail Lifestyle Center in Queens

ElaineMi — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:41:36 -0000

Hi, Barbara. Thank you for your input. Our sources have noted that the center's location in a not easily accessible area might have contributed to its problems. But the issue of paid parking brings an interesting perspective to that angle.

Re: What FAS13 Means for Retail Real Estate

ElaineMi — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:31:55 -0000

Hi, Rob,

We hear from people on the ground that analysts have always been aware of the volatile nature of retailers' lease obligations and tend to consider it when doing estimates anyway. But you are right, they might create a new metric to make their calculations more transparent.

Re: Hilco Launches New Product For its Retail Clients

ElaineMi — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:48:45 -0000

The purpose of the new group is to expand their offerings. Hilco hopes to attract new clients by focusing on overall portfolio management rather than just disposition.

Re: 3G May Take a Bite of Burger King’s Real Estate to Generate Returns

ElaineMi — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:15:45 -0000

We actually state in the story approximately how many sites BK owns. In the U.S. and Canada it's about 900. In the U.S. proper, it's around 725. The rest are owned and operated directly by the franchisees.

Re: Sports Authority Ventures Into Elite Territory

ElaineMi — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:43:38 -0000

Hi, Tom,

The new stores are not designed to take away market share from the big box stores. They will serve Sports Authority customers who might want a more upscale selection of apparel and footwear, or just customers who'd like higher-end sportswear. Sports Authority hopes the two concepts together will increase its market share.

Re: Retail Landlords Grant Temporary Deferments, Come Up with Barter System to Set Off Rent Declines

ElaineMi — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:06:28 -0000

We have heard in a number of cases that landlords want to see some efforts from the tenant to improve store performance, including more effective merchandising and marketing strategies. Are your tenants happy with that kind of an exchange?

Re: Store Closings Could Double in 2009

ElaineMi — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:31:36 -0000

We do not track gas stations closely enough to be able to gauge their status right now, but overall grocery and convenience stores are expected to do better than specialty retailers and department stores simply because people need to eat. Even in the grocery sector, however, the more expensive chains might feel the impact of the recession in a significant way.

Re: Store Closings Could Double in 2009

ElaineMi — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:54:35 -0000

Hi, Denise,

Here's a link to a list with some of the announced store closings: http://forums.chiefmarketer...

Hope you find this helpful.

Re: Store Closings Could Double in 2009

ElaineMi — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:54:42 -0000

Hi, Robert,

According to our sources, Circuit City may not survive this year's holiday season. Other names thrown about include Bon-Ton Stores and Pier I, though you have to keep in mind that this is all speculation. Basically, the takeaway is that apparel, furniture and mid-tier department stores are going to be the hardest hit sectors.