Private equity deals have a checkered history in the retail sector, often resulting in bankruptcies and liquidations, but they are undoubtedly a sign that retail is on the upswing. Now, after several years of a deal draught, market researchers expect M&A activity to come back, as many chains look for additional sources of capital. For this and other stories about retail and retail real estate, follow the links below:

• Mergers and acquisitions in the retail sector expected to increase in 2010, according to Reuters.
• Upscale discount chain Loehmann’s faces financial difficulties as luxury retailers cut prices to lure in shoppers, reports The New York Post.
• Business Week asks whether a surge in consumer demand is here to stay.
• Forbes puts together a list of fastest-growing retailers.
• Georgia state senate has passed a bill to cope with retail burglaries, according to a Gainsvilletimes.com story.
• Warwick Mall, in Rhode Island, copes with the damage from recent storms, according to projo.com.
• Starwood REIT closed on a $280 million commercial real estate loan, reports Housing Wire.
• The New York Observer offers a profile of New York retail broker Joanne Podell.

Related Topics: Commentary, Finance, Investment, News, REITs, Research, Retail, Retail Real Estate, Trends |