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Retail Briefs

Monsoon headed for U.S. shores
British women’s clothier Monsoon has its eyes set on an ambitious expansion in the United States next year. The store, which was founded in London in 1972, carries women’s and children’s clothing, perfumes and shoes, all with an Indian or Far East feel. The company has a pilot store operating at Natick (Mass.) Mall, near Boston. It plans to open 20 stores next year and invest $2 million over the next three years in a joint venture with U.S. retailer Charming Shoppes.

Macy's opens first store outside continental United States
Federated launched its first Macy’s outside the continental United States, with the opening in October of a 255,000-square-foot store at the 32-year old 1.9 million-square-foot Plaza Las Americas, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The store has three levels, employs more than 800 people, and will generate in excess of $70 million in sales, according to The San Juan Star newspaper.

More growth ahead for Ahold
Dutch supermarket giant Royal Ahold has unveiled plans to build about 300 stores in the United States and Europe and to renovate 650 existing units by the end of 2001. The company, through acquisitions and new openings, added nearly 3,600 stores this year, increasing its portfolio to more than 8,000 units in 24 countries. Its U.S. portfolio includes the Stop & Shop, Edwards, Giant, Tops and Bi-Lo chains.

Wal-Mart to open 300 plus units in company’s largest expansion
Wal-Mart Stores Corp. has announced an aggressive expansion and remodeling program for next year, with plans to open about 180 Supercenters and 40 discount stores in the United States. The Bentonville, Ark.-based company also is doubling the number of stores in its Neighborhood Market chain with another 15 to 20 units, and is opening about 25 new Sam’s Club locations, while relocating or expanding another 25 or so. Wal-Mart International is opening more than 100 stores and Sam’s Club units in countries where it already operates.

Nordstrom arrives in Florida
The opening of a Nordstrom store at the Town Center at Boca Raton in November marked the Seattle retailer’s arrival in Florida and its 24th state. But while it might be the first store in Florida, it will not be the state’s only Nordstrom for long: The retailer is opening in the fall of 2002 at Coral Gables as an anchor at The Rouse Co.’s Village of Merrick Park, and also plans stores in Orlando and Tampa. In addition, the company is looking at sites in Broward County and North Dade, Blake Nordstrom, the company’s president, told The Miami Herald. Simon Property Group’s Town Center has recently undergone a major renovation and expansion that has seen the addition of 30 stores besides Nordstrom.

Delia’s makes a move into Washington, D.C, area
Delia’s, the New York City-based teen and young women’s apparel retailer, has opened a store at Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, Va., its first in the Washington, D.C., area. The chain has 31 stores, predominantly on the East Coast, but is planning to expand nationally. It also sells by catalog and over the Internet.

Carrefour entering Japanese market
French hypermarket retailer Carrefour is entering the Japanese retail market this month with its first store in Chiba. Carrefour, the world’s second-largest retailer, says it plans to open a dozen more in 2001-03. The opening coincides with the opening of a second Costco store in the country.