Fremont, Calif. — Tailored Brands, the parent company of professional menswear retailers Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, has announced a corporate restructuring that entails closing up to 500 stores. The Fremont-based firm says the “unprecedented and industry-wide” disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak was the catalyst behind the move. Tailored Brands has identified the 500 stores but did not disclose the retailers, locations or timing of those closures. Other brands in Tailored’s umbrella include K&G and Moores Clothing for Men. The company had 1,445 U.S. stores as of May …
coronavirus
Washington, D.C. — The advanced estimate for June retail sales nationwide is up 7.5 percent on a month-over-month basis, the U.S. Commerce Department reports. Consumers visited stores and auto dealerships in-person for the second straight month as businesses began reopening their doors. Retail sales totaled $524.3 billion in June, up from $487.7 billion in May. The most recent figure shows spending is near pre-pandemic levels, as the Commerce Department reported that February 2020 spending reached $527.3 billion. The Commerce Department also revised the May retail sales rate up by 50 …
NRF Survey: Back-to-School Spending Could Reach Record Levels as Families Gear Up for At-Home Learning Amid Pandemic
Washington, D.C. — The novel coronavirus could result in record-levels in spending for back-to-school supplies as families across the country are expected to buy more electronics to prepare for at-home learning, a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics has found. Major school systems around the country, including the Ivy League, Los Angeles Public School District, Atlanta Public Schools, New York City Public School system and the University of California school system have announced virtual learning or a hybrid of in-person and online classes …
Springfield, Mass. — MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has reopened its casino in the western Massachusetts city of Springfield at 25 percent of its original capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 13, there were 112,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state of Massachusetts and 8,330 deaths. At this time, the resort’s 240-room hotel and spa remain closed, limiting the amenity options for guests to the 125,000-square-foot casino and three of the property’s food and beverage establishments, which will also operate at limited occupancies. Valet parking is also …
Despite Third-Quarter Losses, Walgreens to Invest $1 Billion to Open Doctors’ Offices at US Stores
Deerfield, Ill. — In its fiscal 2020 third-quarter results, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. said its performance was “significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” causing sales to be roughly $700 million to $750 million lower. The decline is largely attributed to its international stores. In April, sales at Walgreens stores in the United Kingdom were down 85 percent. Deerfield-based Walgreens says that pharmacy volume was impacted globally by a drop in doctor visits and hospital patient admissions. Profits were also hurt by a shift to low-margin items and higher supply chain …
Bed Bath & Beyond to Close 200 Stores Over Next Two Years Following 49 Percent Decline in Sales Due to Pandemic
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) plans to close 200 stores over the next two years. The Union-based company made the announcement during its earnings statement for its fiscal first quarter, which runs from March through May. The report shows sales plummeted in the quarter due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdowns affecting non-essential retailers. For the three-month period, net sales were approximately $1.3 billion, a 49 percent year-over-year decrease. Bed Bath & Beyond reports that 90 percent of its physical locations were closed for …
The COVID-19 outbreak had a tremendous impact on retail across the country, and Charlotte was no exception. As stores were forced to close, business owners had to devise creative ways to operate during the pandemic. Rent deferral, Paycheck Protection Program funds, layoffs and furloughs were some of the ways owners addressed cash flow. Many restaurants faced questions regarding takeout, delivery service, menu adjustments, table spacing and employee safety. Enhanced cleaning procedures, payment procedures, marketing adjustments and general overall operations were other issues facing many restaurants and retailers. Restaurants with drive-thrus …
Taubman Centers Reopens All Properties Across Portfolio Following Temporary Closures Due to COVID-19
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — Taubman Centers Inc. (NYSE: TCO) has reopened all of its properties in the United States and Asia. Most U.S. centers were temporarily closed beginning March 19 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bloomfield Hills-based Taubman says it has been gradually reopening centers using enhanced safety protocols in compliance with local, state and federal laws. Nearly 85 percent of stores within Taubman’s portfolio have reopened, according to Robert Taubman, chairman and CEO. Taubman’s portfolio consists of 26 super-regional and outlet shopping centers. The company is currently being …
Leawood, Kan. — AMC Theatres has delayed its U.S. reopening date until July 30. The company will resume operations of 450 U.S. theaters as part of a phased plan that is expected to bring the 600-plus U.S. theaters to full operation by early August. AMC says the new reopening date aligns with updated release timing for major movies such as “Tenet” on Aug. 12 and “Mulan” on Aug. 21. Previously, AMC had expected to be fully open globally in July when Christopher Nolan’s spy film “Tenet” was scheduled to release …
Time to Network: Progressive Real Estate Partners’ Umansky Begins Term as President of Retail Brokers Network in Interesting Times for Retail
California Centers, a sister publication of Shopping Center Business, recently spoke with Brad Umansky, president of Rancho Cucamonga-based Progressive Real Estate Partners and the newly appointed president of the Retail Brokers Network. As Umansky assumed the volunteer role in May, the nation — and the retail real estate industry — was in the throes of dealing with closures and stay-in-place orders brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke with the magazine about assuming his role for the network at this time, and how its members are helping each other …