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Apple confirms retail store plans
Following months of speculation, Apple Computer, Cupertino, Calif., finally put an end to the rumors and opened its first two retail stores at the Glendale (Calif.) Galleria and at Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Va., in mid-May. Apple said it would open 25 stores by the end of 2001 but did not reveal specific sites. SCT has confirmed that Apple will open stores at the Mall of America, on Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue and at a lifestyle center being constructed in Littleton, Colo. Westcor Properties, Phoenix, is also in talks with Apple to bring a store to the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Fashion Square or Chandler (Ariz.) Fashion Center. Apple is also rumored to be opening stores in the SoHo district of Manhattan; Palo Alto, Calif.; and Pittsburgh.

Sears testing concept limited to household appliances, electronics
Sears, Roebuck and Co. will open three test stores in the Chicago trade area this year that will sell only electronics and household appliances. The concept, Sears Appliance & Electronics, focuses on the product categories that Sears has had the most success with in recent years. It is just the latest concept rolled out by Sears, which also has opened Great Indoors stores and a new hardware concept, Tool Territory, within its department stores. The first of the electronics stores, which all contain about 20,000 square feet, will open this month with the other two rolling out in October.

Westfield replacing all its Wards
Westfield America has bought two shuttered Montgomery Ward stores, in the 822,000-square-foot Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza Bonita, National City, Calif., and in the 1 million-square-foot Westfield Shoppingtown Topanga, Canoga Park, Calif., from the Kimco Realty Group-led venture disposing of Ward’s assets. Westfield says it made the move to facilitate future redevelopment. The remaining five Wards stores in Westfield’s portfolio, including Westfield Shoppingtowns Eagle Rock, Los Angeles; Mission Village, San Diego; Wheaton (Md.); Annapolis (Md.); and Oakridge, San Jose, Calif; were purchased by other chains, such as Target and Sears.

QVC comes to Mall of America
QVC Inc. will open a 2,500-square-foot QVC @ The Mall at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn. QVC tested a 500-square-foot temporary store for several months before deciding to move to a larger, permanent location. QVC also signed a 10-year sponsorship agreement with the mall, making it an Official Interactive Commerce Partner.

American Eagle Outfitters opens first of 46 Canadian stores
American Eagle Outfitters, Warrendale, Pa., made its debut in Canada in May, opening the first of 46 stores in Limeridge Mall, Hamilton, Ont. The expansion, American Eagle’s first foreign venture, stems from its acquisition last year of Canadian retail chains Thrifty’s, Bluenotes, Braemar and National Logistics Services from Dylex Ltd., for C$115 million. The other 45 stores will open by fall 2001.