by Elaine Misonzhnik September 1st, 2010
Private equity deals appear to be coming back in vogue in the retail sector. Earlier today, The Street reported that Burger King has been discussing buyout possibilities with several private equity players. In the past two years, the chain has been trying out new strategies in an effort to catch up with its main rival, McDonald’s, and the desire to go private might be tied to the greater freedom afforded retailers who don’t have to report to Wall Street. Burger King has gone through a buyout and a subsequent IPO before: in 2002, it sold itself to the consortium of TPG Capital, Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs. The partners put Burger King back on the public market in 2006.
Right now may be a good time to market itself to prospective buyers, as private equity players are sitting on mountains of cash that need to be spent. But buyout specialists are no longer as indiscriminate as they once were. Before they spend their money, they want to make sure the retailer they pick up is not going to become a money loser. For example, Saks Fifth Avenue recently put itself on the block as well. But so far, it has failed to secure a buyer because private equity worries about the outlook on luxury goods in the current environment.
Related Topics: News, Retail, Trends |
by Elaine Misonzhnik August 30th, 2010
Investors in commercial real estate funds that lost money in the current downturn can take heart: their fund managers might be forced to recoup at least some of their losses. Bloomberg reports that private equity firm the Blackstone Group has returned $3 million to investors in its Blackstone Real Estate Partners International LP, as a result of so-called “clawback” provisions. Next quarter, Blackstone might end up paying more than $15 million to investors in another real estate fund. For this and other stories about retail and retail real estate, follow the links below:
Related Topics: Finance, Investment, News, Quirky, Retail, Retail Real Estate |
by Elaine Misonzhnik August 26th, 2010
In the wake of all the fanfare surrounding Simon Property Group’s partnership with the Shopkick mobile app, CBL & Associates announced it will soon launch its own mobile app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. The mall owner feels mobile marketing is the way of the future and has been talking to app developers for the past few months. It finally settled on Slicker Interactive LLC as its partner. CBL’s mobile app, mallMerlin, will be launched at the majority of CBL’s malls by the beginning of next year.
The app will mimic the natural way people shop, according to CBL’s spokesperson. The content will be customized to the individual shopper and his/her location within the center and will include special promotions, high-definition video and in-mall navigation tools. CBL’s retail tenants will be able to participate in the program free of charge, but will have to pay a fee if they opt to upgrade their content by, for example, offering digital coupons.
Madison Marquette was the first mall owner in U.S. to launch a property-specific mobile app earlier this year, for its Asbury Park center.
Related Topics: Management & Leasing, News, Retail, Trends |
by Elaine Misonzhnik August 24th, 2010
The dollar stores continue to be the bright light in the still struggling retail sector. Dollar Tree appears to be looking at major expansion–up to 7,000 stores nationwide. Meanwhile, Dollar General’s recent strategies have made it a formidable rival for Walmart. For these and other stories about retail and retail real estate, follow the links below:
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And The Winners Are …
by David Bodamer August 31st, 2010
I’m pleased to announce here the winners of Retail Traffic’s 21st Annual Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging Awards.
The judging took place recently in Chicago. Overall, the jury tabbed seven projects–three as winners and four others as honorable mention recipients. In addition, we decided to recognize two other projects that fell just short in the judging with special Editor’s Choice merits.
The big winner this year was RTKL, which took home the Grand SADI for its Dolce Vita Tejo project in Lisbon, Portugal, which was the winner in the New Enclosed Center category. Judges were impressed not only with the aesthetics of the project, but also with the integration of sustainable technology into the design. The entire project is covered by one of the largest ethylene tetraflouroethylene roof structures in the world. The material allows sunlight to pass through while keeping heat out, enabling the center to make maximum use of natural lighting while keeping cooling costs low.
In addition, RTKL was also the winner in the Renovated or Expanded Enclosed Center category for its Chadstone Shopping Centre renovation in Melbourne, Australia.
GHA design studios was this year’s other winner taking home the top prize in the New Fast/Casual Dining category for its Carrefour Laval Food Court in Lava,l Canada.
The award winners and editor’s choice projects can be viewed below and a full write-up of the awards with project details will appear in the September/October issue of Retail Traffic.
New Enclosed Center
Winner
Grand SADI Winner
Dolce Vita Tejo
Lisbon, Portugal
RTKL
Dolce Vita Tejo
Dolce Vita Tejo
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