Value Retail News is ICSC's publication featuring extensive and complete insight into the world of outlet and off-price rettsailers shopping centers. Here's a list of this month's articles and a summary of the stories.

FEBRUARY Cover Story Features Off-Price

Cover Story

Building A New Outlet Future
Despite a slowdown in new-center growth, several outlet projects are in the planning stages through 2004. VRN takes a look at the latest crop of planned centers from the industry’s developer community. Coverage includes interviews with top executives of two high-profile outlet-center developers, Chelsea Property Group and Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, and a round-up on activity in the Midwest, where several new centers are planned.

Features

VRN Spring Deal Making, March 19-20
The outlet and off-price retail and development industry converges on Atlantic City, N.J., next month for the 2002 VRN Spring Outlet Retail Deal Making, marking the meeting’s 20th anniversary. To be held March 19-20 at Caesars Atlantic City hotel and casino, the meeting will be a no-frills event that will focus on seven hours of deal making. Several new discounts are announced.

Honoring Local Heroes
About one-third of the nation’s outlet centers honor local police, firemen and paramedics in a special tribute to the men and women who risk their lives to protect local communities.


Freeport Builds New Outlet Future
Phase 2 development plans in the coastal village of Freeport, Maine, where outlet stores are king, are a joint effort of merchants, town development groups
and Mother Nature.


Workshop Scrutinizes Outlet Leasing Trends
A workshop panel looks at how retailers and developers are grappling with downside protection rights, co-tenancy clauses, renewals and rent escalators.


Out of the Time Warp
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, which tenants many of the nation’s outlet centers, reports improved sales with a plan to upscale the brand’s cache. A new store design, a marked changed from its existing country-Victorian look, plus revamped packaging and other moves seem to be working.


Developer Opens its 11th European Center
The opening day of McArthurGlen’s first Dutch outlet center on Nov. 21 attracts 24,000 visitors. Over the first week visitor numbers exceeded 100,000 with 55 percent coming from across the border in Germany.

Off-Price
You’ve Got Mail
Taubman Co. reports great results from its customized e-mail promotions sent weekly to shoppers who visit its malls, including its two value-oriented projects.