March 2005 Cover Story Features

Cover Story

Outlet Challenges
In a two-part package of stories, VRN details results of its annual survey of industry executives, asking what major challenges their companies face as 2005 unfolds. Half of surveyed retail execs say traffic to outlet centers is one of three top issues for 2005, while a lack of new outlet tenants tops developers’ 2005 challenges.

Features

Outlet Center Swap Meet
In the last half of 2004 ownership changes affected 74 outlet centers — totaling 20.1 million sf – and accounted for more than $5.4 billion in transactions.

Luxury, Marketing
Retail expert Pamela N. Danziger, in a new book, says the dynamics of the luxury market have changed into “an experience that people believe they deserve.”

Renaissance & Renewal
A local developer injects new life into the Outlets at Casa Grande
(Ariz.) and hopes prospective national outlet tenants will take
another look at the project.

Sold Again
The Shops at Las Americas has a new owner – its third since
opening three years ago. Stoltz Real Estate Fund and Pacific Coast
Capital Partners acquire the 365,000-sf center from JER Partners.

New Dirt
Value Retail News, in an exclusive data chart, details 19 phase 1
outlet centers planned to open between 2005 and 2007, totaling nearly 7.5 million sf.

Merchandise Planning
New planning software eases retailers’ merchandising
chores, according to guest columnist Steve Davis.

Global Outlets
International Projects pages 26 and 28.
Unique, new outlet projects in Portugal and Mexico prove
there is something new under the sun.

Neighborly Development
A national roundup of new and planned big box, cinema and residential projects underscores outlet centers’ ability to attract area growth.

Outlet Deal Making
ICSC’s 2005 Mid Atlantic Idea Exchange, March 23 – 24 in Washington D.C., will once
again have a component that targets the nation’s outlet retailing and development segment.

2005 Quiz
VRN quizzes readers on their knowledge of industry events in 2005.