Value Retail News is ICSC's publication featuring extensive and complete insight into the world of outlet and off-price retailers shopping centers. Here's a list of this month's articles and a summary of the stories.
Cover story
State of the Outlet Industry
VRN’s annual outlet industry report shows offsetting ups and downs for both retailers and developers are testing a maturing industry.
After a bureaucratic battle, the persistent general manager of Centralia Factory Outlets gets the Washington State Department of Transportation to erect a directional sign for the outlet center.
Big Deal
J. Baker launches B&T Factory Stores (right), a spin-off of the company’s 448-unit Casual Male Big and Tall chain.
Sibling Revelry
Similarly named Freeport, Maine and Freeport Leisure PLC of the UK forge unique marketing ties. A co-op promotion underwritten by the merchants association in the Maine village and the British developer promises to generate good press and added profits.
B&T Factory Stores
K-Swiss Kicks Off
A veteran retailer plans controlled expansion for his one-unit K-Swiss Outlet. From its flagship store in Lancaster, Calif., K-Swiss Outlet plans to add one store a year, at least for the time being.
to visit K-Swiss Outlet's Web site, click the logo:
Superior Service Creates Customer Excitement
Guest columnist Leonard L. Berry discusses how great retailers generate excitement by offering their customers more than a mundane shopping experience.
500 Mob Job Fair
JMJ Properties’ new Outlets at Albertville (Minn.) drew 500 potential hires (below) to its new center for a job fair. The project’s grand opening was set for April 28.
As retailers get their feet wet with e-commerce, they find that logistics is a huge barrier to gaining and keeping online customers.
right: CSR's at Keystone Internet Services
The Internet’s Toll
A new study by Arthur Anderson weighs Internet sales’ impact on the commercial real estate market. The study finds outlets face some threat from e-commerce, while power centers have the most to fear.
BMG On-Line, a new Internet shopping service, is being created by European outlet-center developer BAA McArthur Glen. The e-retailer will launch this summer in the UK before expanding into continental Europe.
Border Crossings
A new joint venture is forged to develop a multi-use project on the Mexico-U.S. border that will include an outlet center.
Most shoppers are unaware that Jersey Gardens’ site is a former waste dump that wouldn’t even exist except for a remarkable toxic clean-up effort. How an industrial wasteland was resurrected to become the site for a new value megamall.
