Issue 12 for the week of April 5, 1996
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The Dealmakers Issue Number 12 for the week of April 5, 1996.

 

Jewelry Retailers Seeking Loccations Nationwide

 

Helzberg Diamond Shops, Inc. trades as Jewelry 3 at 26 locations in IL, IN, MI, MN, NC, OH and VA.  The stores, selling fine jewelry, occupy spaces of 4,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and power centers.  Plans call for as many as 20 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in DE, IL, NJ and PA.

  For more information, contact Louise McPeek Williams, Helzberg Diamond Shops, Inc., 1825 Swift Avenue, North Kansas City, MO 64116; 816-480-0319, Fax 480-0301.

 

King's of New Castle trades as King's Jewelry at 32 locations in OH, PA and WV.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls, outlet, power and strip centers.  Plans call for the opening of four units in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in OH and PA.

  For more information, contact Dale Perelmen, King's of New Castle, PO Box 630, New Castle, PA 16103; 412-654-5531.

 

Barry's Jewelers, Inc. trades as A. Hing Wilson, Hatfields, Samuels, Schubachs and Mission at 165 locations in AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, MI, NC and SC.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in corner spaces of regional malls.  Plans call for 10 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Hugh Rose, Barry's Jewelers, Inc., 111 West Lemon Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016; 818-303-4741, Fax 357-7596.

 

Reeds Jewelers, Inc. trades as Reeds Jewelers at 93 locations in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, MS, OK, WV, KS and Washington, D.C.  The stores, selling fine jewelry, occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,300 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for as many as six openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Herbert Zimmer, Reeds Jewelers, Inc., PO Box 2628, Wilmington, NC 28402; 910-763-4669, Fax 762-1999.

 

Silver & Gold Trading Company, Inc. does business as Silver & Gold Connection at 46 locations in CT, RI, MA, NY, NJ, DE, PA, VA, WV, MD and NC.  The stores, selling gold & silver jewelry, occupy spaces of 160 sq.ft. to 200 sq.ft. in kiosks located in high traffic areas at regional malls.  Preferred anchors include women's apparel stores.  Plans call for as many as five openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.  Preferred demographics include a population of 150,000 within five miles earning $30,000 as the average income.  Leases running three to five years are typical.

  For more information, contact William Englebrecht, Silver & Gold Trading Company, Inc., PO Box 157, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026; 609-346-3005, Ext. 37, Fax 346-9858.

 

Brodkey Jewelers, Inc. trades as Brodkey Jewelers at 10 locations in IA and NE.  The stores, selling 14k gold jewelry, diamonds and watches, occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Ron Brodkey, Brodkey Jewelers, Inc., 12165 West Center Road, Suite 73, Omaha, NE 68144; 402-330-9800, Fax 697-0603.

 

Merksamer Jewelers, Inc. operates 49 locations in CA, IL, OH, KS, MD, WA, WI, MI, MO and VA.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Carol Merksamer, Merksamer Jewelers, Inc., 2101 Hurley Way, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95825; 916-925-5512, Fax 925-1786.

 

Chain Reaction, Inc. does business as Chain Reaction and CR Jewelers at nine locations in FL, PA and VA.  The stores, selling moderately-priced jewelry, occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls and outlet centers.  Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

  For more information, contact Lawrence Weinberg, Chain Reaction, Inc., 7925 NW 12th Street, Suite 330, Miami, FL 33126; 305-477-8600, Fax 477-9393.

 

Crescent Jewelers trades as Crescent Jewelers and J. Burton Jewelers at 97 locations in AZ, CA, NV, OR and WA.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls and strip centers.  Growth opportunities are sought in AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX and UT.

  For more information, contact David Halpern, Crescent Jewelers, 315 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607; 510-836-2810, Fax 835-0906.

 

Rogers Ltd. trades as Diamonds Unlimited, Rogers Jewelers and Andrews Jewelers at 47 locations in AR, OH, KY, IN, MO, IA, SD, PA, FL, NE, TX and VA.  The stores, selling fine jewelry, occupy spaces of 1,100 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for three openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Ted Lazarow, Rogers Ltd., 124 City Centre, Middletown, OH 45042; 513-422-5407, Fax 422-5242.

 

Braude Jewelry Corp. trades as Page Jewelers at 22 locations in IA, IL, MI, MN and WI.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 900 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Ken Braude, Braude Jewelry Corp., 211 East Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-988-4520, Fax 988-9759.

 

Gemstone Jewelry, Inc. trades as Gemstone Jewelry and Gold N Gifts at 104 locations in PA, NY, NJ, WA, VA, MD, DE, OH, IN, KY, WI, NC, FL and IL.  The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 150 sq.ft. to 200 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call for as many as 10 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets.

  For more information, contact Calvin Wilhelm, Gemstone Jewelry, Inc., 4251 Chestnut Street, Emmaus, PA 18409; 610-967-3156, Fax 966-4959.

 

Ultra of Illinois, Inc. trades as Ultra The Gold & Diamond Store at 20 locations in IL, IN, MA, MN, MO, NY, OH, PA, RI and TX.  The stores, selling gold and diamonds, occupy spaces of 600 sq.ft. to 1,800 sq.ft. in regional malls and outlet centers.  Plans call for as many as 20 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets as well as MI and NV.

  For more information, contact Daniel Marks, Ultra of Illinois, Inc., 29 East Madison, Suite 508, Chicago, IL 60602; 312-201-8244.

`

Gem Jewelry Co. trades as Gem Jewelry at five locations in LA and TX.  The stores, selling watches, diamonds, china and gifts, occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in power centers and regional malls.  Growth opportunities are sought in TX.

  For more information, contact Nelson Alter, Gem Jewelry Co., 795 North 11th Street, Beaumont, TX 77702; 409-892-6631, Fax 892-1110.

 

 

Financial News...

 

Darden Restaurants (407-245-4000) reported that after-tax earnings during its third fiscal quarter increased 19% to $35.6 million compared to $29.9 million during last year's third fiscal quarter.  Third quarter sales fell to $795.1 million from $803.4 million.  This decrease was attributed to the discontinuation of the China Coast restaurant concept.  By division, Red Lobster had third quarter sales of $479.1 million, down from $483.2 million last year.  Comparable restaurant sales fell 3.2%.  The Olive Garden sales increased six percent to $316 million.  The company operates 716 Red Lobster units and 480 Olive Garden units throughout North America.

 

Bradlees, Inc. (617-380-5863) reported a fiscal 1995 net loss of $207.4 million compared to net earnings of $5.3 million during FY94.  Total sales for FY95 were $1.84 billion compared to $1.98 billion during FY94.  Comparable store sales fell 13.6% for the year.  The company currently operates 136 discount stores in eight states.

 

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (201-379-1750) reported fiscal year 1995 net earnings of $39.459 million, a 31.5% increase over FY94 earnings of $30 million.  Net sales for FY95 were $601.252 million, a 36.6% increase over FY94's net sales of $440.261 million.  Comparable store sales increased 3.8%.  During the year, the company opened 19 stores and ended FY95 with 80 units nationwide.

 

Eckerd Corporation (813-399-6355) reported net earnings before extraordinary items of $102.8 million for the year, compared to $80.4 million last year.  FY95 sales of $5 billion was a 12.4% increase over FY94 sales with pharmacy sales increasing 19.6% for the year and non-pharmacy sales increasing 5.1% for the year.  Operating profit for FY95 was $200.2 million, up from $171.6 million during FY94.  Comparable store sales increased 8.8% for the year.  The company currently operates 1,715 drug stores in 13 states and 515 Eckerd Express one-hour photo labs in nine states.

 

Discovery Zone, Inc. (305-627-2400) recently filed Chapter 11.  The company plans to operate in the normal course of business during its reorganization period and received a commitment for $15 million in debtor-in-possession financing.  The company plans to close unprofitable store location to improve its operating costs and focus on strengthening its core markets and locations.

 

Walgreen Co. (847-940-2930) reported second quarter sales of $3.18 billion, a 13.3% increase over sales during the second quarter last year.  Net earnings for the quarter increased 13.7% to $127 million.  Pharmacy sales increased 18.5% and comparable store sales increased 13.7% for the quarter.  During the first six months of its current fiscal year, the company opened 90 units and is on target to open 215 units during its present fiscal year, including entry in the Dallas, TX and Las Vegas, NV markets.  The company currently operates 2,131 drug stores in 31 states.

 

Rite Aid Corp. (717-975-5800) which is attempting to acquire Revco D.S., Inc. for $1.8 billion, recently extended its tender offer for the seventh time this year.  The new deadline was pushed back to April 9.  Rite Aid is attempting to acquire Revco to form the nation's largest drug store chain having more than 4,800 units.

 

Shoe Carnival, Inc. (812-867-4105) reported that net sales for its fiscal year increased 5.1% to $228.3 million from $217.1 million during FY94, but that its comparable store sales fell 10%.  The company also reported a FY95 net loss of $7.2 million compared to net income of $705,000 during FY94.  Most of the loss was attributed to store closings.  The company is planning to open five stores this year and currently operates 96 footwear stores in the Midwest and Midsouth.

 

American Greetings (216-252-7300) has terminated its offer to acquire Gibson Greetings.

 

Charming Shoppes, Inc. (215-245-9100) reported a fiscal 1995 net loss of $139.241 million compared to net income of $44.689 million during FY94.  Sales for the year were $1.1 billion compared to $1.2 billion during FY94.  During the year, the company opened 47 stores and closed 174 to end with 1,301 units in 46 states.  The company trades as Fashion Bug and Fashion Bug Plus.

 

Gantos, Inc. (616-949-7000) reported fiscal 1995 net income of $3.7 million, up from $2.6 million reported during FY94.  The company operates 113 stores in 23 states.

 

Gadzooks, Inc. (214-991-5500) reported fiscal 1995 net income of $4.076 million, a 110% increase over FY94 net income of $1.941 million.  FY95 net sales were $84.6 million, a 49.8% increase over FY94 net sales of $56.463 million.  Comparable store sales increased 14.7% for the year.  The company operates 126 mall-based casual apparel stores, catering to young men and women, in 21 states.

 

Lechters, Inc. (201-481-1100) reported fiscal 1995 net income of $4.5 million compared to $3.362 million during fiscal 1994.  FY95 sales were $432 million, an 8.2% increase over FY94 sales of $399 million.  Total sales in the Lechters Housewares division were up 6.4% to $332 million and total sales in the Famous Brands Housewares division were up 14.6% to $99 million.  Comparable store sales in the Lechters division fell 0.7% and 5.5% in the Famous Brands division.  During 1995, the company opened 48 stores and closed 11 and ended the year with 642 stores in 44 states (477 Lechters, 150 Famous Brands Housewares and 15 Kitchen Place).

 

Pep Boys (215-229-9000) reported fiscal 1995 sales of $1.594 billion, a 13% increase over FY94 sales of $1.4 billion.  Earnings increased two percent to $81.494 million in FY95 compared to $80 million in FY94.  Comparable store sales increased one percent for the year.  During 1995, the company opened 46 Supercenters and 29 Parts USA stores to end its fiscal year with 506 stores in 33 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico.  During FY96, the company is planning to open 50 Supercenters and 50 Parts USA stores.

 

CompUSA, Inc. (214-982-4000) reported that its third quarter net sales reached $1 billion, a 29% increase over the $776 million reported during the third quarter last year.  Comparable store sales increased 14.1%.  The company currently operates 96 units in 44 markets nationwide.

 

Garden Ridge Corporation (713-579-7901) recently filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the public offering of 1.4 million shares of common stock.  The company operates 13 megastores, selling decorative home accessories, seasonal products and crafts, in FL, NC, OK, TN and TX.

 

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (619-677-3008) reported that its fiscal 1995 net earning increased 87% to $8.4 million from $4.5 million during FY94.  Net sales for FY95 increased 44% to $270.7 million from $188.6 million during FY94 and comparable store sales increased 16.5% for the year.  The company currently operates 265 pet supply stores in 15 states.

 

 

Who's Opening and Where...

 

Dominick's Finer Foods (708-562-1000) is looking to open seven supermarkets this year.

 

Kohl's Department Stores (414-783-1300) plans to open department stores at Jackson Crossing in Jackson, MI; Westgate Mall in Fairview Park, OH and in Highland Heights, OH and Louisville, KY this month.  The company is also planning to open stores in Strongsville, OH; Lancaster, PA and Moline, IL during September.  The stores will range in size from 78,000 sq.ft. to 96,000 sq.ft.

 

HomePlace (216-498-0555) recently opened a 50,000 sq.ft. housewares store at Oxford Valley Shopping Center in Fairless Hills, PA.

 

Dayton's (612-375-2200) recently opened a 225,000 sq.ft. department store at Maplewood Mall in St. Paul, MN and is planning to open a Mervyn's unit at Maplewood Mall during the Summer.

 

CompUSA (214-383-4488) plans to open a 25,600 sq.ft. store at Encintas Ranch Town Center in Encintas, CA late this year.

 

Weis Markets, Inc. (717-286-4571) is looking to build a 65,000 sq.ft. supermarket in Lower Allen Township, PA.

 

Petrie Retail, Inc. (201-866-3600) recently launched a new concept called Resource at 14 locations in Indianapolis, IN and Houston, TX.

 

Loehmann's (718-409-2000) plans to open a 25,000 sq.ft. apparel store in downtown Seattle, WA next Spring.

 

Sagebrush, Inc. (704-459-0821) recently opened a Sagebrush Steakhouse & Saloon restaurant in Johnson City, TN.  The company, which is planning to open as many as six restaurants this year, currently operates 23 units.

 

Circuit City Stores (804-527-4000) recently opened stores in Pontiac, Taylor and Troy, MI and is planning to open as many as 12 more in MI this year.

 

Walgreens (847-940-2680) plans to relocate its store at Southgate Plaza in Fort Wayne, IN from a 10,800 sq.ft. in-line facility to a 14,000 sq.ft. freestanding facility this year.  The company is also planning to open a 17,000 sq.ft. drug store in St. Louis, MO this year.

 

Edwards Super Foods Stores (203-627-2043), which acquired 26 Mayfair Foodtown supermarkets in NJ last year, recently began renaming the markets.  The company also plans to open a 53,000 sq.ft. supermarket in Trenton, NJ during May.

 

Nordstrom (206-628-2111) recently entered the TX market with a department store at the Galleria in Dallas, TX.  The company is also planning to open a 130,000 sq.ft. store at River Park Square in Spokane, WA during Spring 1999.

 

Borders Group, Inc. (313-913-1323) plans to open a 27,500 sq.ft. bookstore at Huebner Oaks Commons in San Antonio, TX during Spring 1997.

 

Bed Bath & Beyond (201-379-1750) plans to open a 35,000 sq.ft. store at Huebner Oaks Commons in San Antonio, TX during Spring 1997.

 

Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. (615-966-2000) plans to open an apparel store in Rock Hill, SC early next year.  The company operates 188 stores in 14 states.

 

Car*Toys, Inc. (206-443-0980) recently opened a 5,500 sq.ft. car audio store in Everett, WA.  The company is also planning to open a unit in Olympia, WA during late Spring.

 

Pudgie's Chicken, Inc. (516-222-8833) recently signed a franchise agreement with LSI, Inc. to open 10 Pudgie's Chicken restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area.

 

Sun Television and Appliances, Inc. (614-492-5600) recently opened  a 50,000 sq.ft. store near Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek, OH.  The company is also planning to relocate its Chillicothe, OH unit to a 31,400 sq.ft. facility during Fall and is looking to open stores in Charleston and Beckley, WV this year.

 

Barnes & Noble (212-633-3300) recently opened a 26,800 sq.ft. bookstore in Saugus, MA.

 

PETCO Animal Supplies (619-677-3008) recently announced that it plans to open 40 superstores this year.

 

 

Lease Signings

 

Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate (804-640-8221) leased space to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop at Marina Shores Shoppes in Virginia Beach, VA.

 

Sigma National, Inc. (804-320-6100) leased 45,000 sq.ft. to Hannaford Brothers Supermarkets at The Shops at Willow Lawn in Richmond, VA and 7,500 sq.ft. to Piece Good Shop at Midlothian Station Shopping Center in Richmond, VA.

 

Perlmutter Properties, Inc. (914-686-8900) leased 6,500 sq.ft. to Kids Place at Ferry Plaza in Newark, NJ.

 

Scotmar Property Associates, Inc. (610-825-7494) leased 8,000 sq.ft. to Parts America and 1,400 sq.ft. to Big & Tall at Vineland Shopping Center in Vineland, NJ; 3,200 sq.ft. to Express Yourself at Carll's Corner Shopping Center in Upper Deerfield, NJ; and 3,000 sq.ft. to H&R Block and 7,000 sq.ft. to Woodcraft Supply at Street Road Plaza in Bensalem, PA.

 

Property Resources (919-831-9090) leased space to Valentine's Bridal Shop, The Bare Wall and Chianti's Italian Restaurant at Greystone Shopping Center in Raleigh, NC; space to Bargain Center at Parker Lincoln Pavilion in Raleigh, NC; space to Fashion Avenue at The Village Shopping Center in Durham, NC; space to White Tiger Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy at Cary Plaza Shopping Center in Cary, NC and space to Optek Music Systems in Raleigh, NC.

 

Moody-Rambin Interests, Inc. (713-773-5545) leased 24,500 sq.ft. to Michael's Stores at Moore Plaza West in Houston, TX.

 

Lee & Associates (619-929-9700) leased 490 sq.ft. to Nordic Salon at Camino Town & Country Shopping Center in Oceanside, CA.

 

Breslin Realty Development Corp. (516-741-7400) leased space to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Store at Carmans Plaza Shopping Center in Massapequa, Long Island, NY.

 

Neal Realty & Investments, Inc. (954-568-0530) leased 3,000 sq.ft. to Flex Bon Paint in Lauderhill, FL; space to Coffee Expresso in Hollywood, FL; and 12,000 sq.ft. to Floral Supply Mart at Gateway Plaza in Sanford, FL.

 

Great American Brokerage (212-557-7272) leased space to HearX at Harmon Meadow Plaza in Secaucus, NJ.

 

Linda Crowley & Associates, Inc. (714-857-7940) leased 1,200 sq.ft. to Weight Watchers of San Diego and the Inland Empire, Inc. at NBC 70th & University Shopping Center in La Mesa, CA and 20,000 sq.ft. to Michael's Arts & Crafts in La Verne, CA.

 

Kranzco Realty Trust (610-941-9292) leased 20,700 sq.ft. to Consolidated Stores Corp. for an Odd Lots/Big Lot store at Marumsco-Jefferson Plaza in Woodbridge, VA; 30,000 sq.ft. to Consolidated Stores for an Odd Lots/Big Lot store at Bradford Mall in Bradford, PA; 3,000 sq.ft. to H&R Block at State Road Plaza in Bensalem, PA and 1,800 sq.ft. to General Nutrition Corp. at Groton Square in Groton, CT.

 

 

Mergers & Acquisitions

 

Blockbuster Entertainment (305-832-3000) recently acquired the eight-unit chain Video Shark of Sandy, UT.  The company also purchased five of its video stores in CA from franchisee Cardinal Entertainment.

 

Consolidated Stores Corporation (614-278-6715) recently entered into a definitive agreement with Melville Corporation to acquire Kay-Bee Toys for $315 million.  Consolidated Stores, which operates the Toy Liquidators chain as well as the Odd Lots, Big Lots, All For One and Itzadeal chains, plans to continue to operate the 1,000-unit Kay-Bee chain.  The deal is expected to close next month.

 

McDonald's Corporation (708-575-3000) recently signed a letter of intent to acquire 80 Burghy Restaurants in Italy from The Cafin Group.  The units will be converted to McDonald's and increase the company's presence in Italy to 118 restaurants.

 

Einstein Bros. Bagel, Inc. (303-202-3326) recently acquired Finagle A Bagel, a three-unit chain in Boston, MA.  Einstein, which is looking to become a national chain, plans to retain the Finagle A Bagel name and open as many as 40 units annually beginning next year.  Expansion will take place throughout New England.

 

BAB Holdings, Inc. (312-380-6100), operator of Big Apple Bagels, recently signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of its franchisee Bagels Unlimited, Inc., which operates six Big Apple Bagel stores in WI.  The acquired units will become company-owned stores.  BAB operates 79 units in 16 states and Canada.

 

Ace Cash Express, Inc. (214-550-5000) recently acquired two check cashing stores in Daytona Beach and Orlando, FL.  The acquisitions give the company 32 units in FL and 690 units in 30 states, 530 of which are company-owned.

 

Electro Rent Corporation (818-786-2525) announced that it has agreed in principal to acquire the assets of LDI Computer Rentals, Inc. for $3 million.  LDI Computer Rentals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LDI Corporation, trades as PC Rentals in GA, IL, MI, OH and TX.

 

Egghead, Inc. (206-391-5820) recently sold its corporate, government and educational division to Software Spectrum, Inc. for $90 million.  The sale allows Egghead to concentrate on developing its retail business.

 

Moovies, Inc. (864-213-1700) recently acquired Showtime U.S.A., operator of five video stores in CO.  The acquisition give Moovies 155 video stores in 11 states.

 

Aaron Rents, Inc. (404-231-0011) recently acquired seven stores from Coleman Rentals in the Detroit, MI market.  In addition, the company plans to open three stores in that market later this year.  The company currently operates 263 units in 24 states.

 

The Italian Oven, Inc. (412-537-5380) recently entered into an agreement to purchase the leases, leasehold improvements and equipment of six restaurants in Kansas City, KS; Kansas City, MO and St. Joseph, MO.  The company plans to convert the units to The Italian Oven restaurants later this year.  The company operates 95 restaurants in 16 states and Australia.

 

Koo Koo Roo, Inc. (310-479-2080) recently acquired Color Me Mine, Inc., a chain of four stores where customers purchase and paint their own ceramic pieces at the studios and then have them fired in the kiln for pick up the next day.  Koo Koo Roo plans to combine the Color Me Mine studios with its Arrosto Coffee units and open several stores this year. 

 

Noble Roman's, Inc. (317-634-3377) announced that it plans to issue 2.25 million shares of a new class of common stock to acquire Papa Gino's Holding Corp., a 180-unit pizza restaurant chain based in Boston, MA.  The units will continue to operate under their present tradenames in their current markets, however, the parent company will operate under a yet-be-determined name.  The deal is expected be completed during July and will give the new company a total of 265 units in 11 states.

 

Simon Property Group (317-636-1600) has agreed in principal to acquire DeBartolo Realty Corp. (216-758-7292) for approximately $3 billion in stock and debt.  The proposed merger will create the largest U.S. real estate firm with a market capitalization of $7.5 billion.  The new company would be renamed Simon DeBartolo Group, be headquartered in Indianapolis, IN and have a portfolio of 111 regional shopping centers, 66 community shopping centers and six specialty centers in 32 states.  The deal needs approval of the shareholders from both companies.

 

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (619-677-3008) recently acquired P.T. Moran, an eight-unit chain operating stores in MD and VA.  With this acquisition, PETCO operates 265 stores in 15 states.

 

Faison (800-321-1711) recently acquired Southland Management of Orlando, FL and Mariner Group of Fort Myers, FL.  The acquisitions increase the company's portfolio to 7 million sq.ft. of retail space, 4.66 million sq.ft. of office space and 3.235 million sq.ft. of industrial space.

 

 

Lead Sheet

 

Alliance Stores, Inc.

dba Designer Brand Accessories

Robert Greening

711 Mission Street, Suite C

South Pasadena, CA 91030

818-403-9222, Fax 403-8940

 

Accessories

The 30-unit chain operates locations in CA, FL, IL, IN, MI, NY, NV, OR, PA and UT.  The stores, selling nationally-branded accessories for women, including sunglasses, watches, leather goods and handbags, occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. to 3,000 sq.ft. in outlet and power centers.  Growth opportunities are sought within the existing markets.

 

All-Car Distributors, Inc.

dba All-Car Automotive Centers

Les Cigel

PO Box 27

Antigo, WI 54409-0027

715-623-3791, Fax 623-7239

 

Automotive

The 25-unit chain operates locations in WI.  The stores, selling automotive parts at discount price-points, occupy spaces of 12,000 sq.ft. to 16,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities.  Plans call for as many as four openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing market.

 

Mr. Paperback

Robert Foss

1135 Hammond Street

Bangor, ME 04401

207-990-4107, Fax 942-9226

 

Books

The 18-unit chain operates locations in ME.  The stores, selling books, magazines and cards, occupy spaces of 4,000 sq.ft. to 12,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers.  Growth opportunities are sought in the existing market.  Leases running five years with a five-year option are typical.

 

Kirkland's, Inc.

dba Kirkland's

Robert Alderson

805 North Parkway

Jackson, TN 38305

901-668-2444, Fax 664-9345

 

Cards & Gifts

The 104-unit chain operates locations in AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TN, TX, OK, MO, IA, OH, KY, WV, VA, SC, NC and MD.  The stores, selling cards, gifts, decorative accessories, home furnishings and housewares, occupy spaces of 4,500 sq.ft. in regional malls and specialty centers.  Plans call for as many as 24 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place within the existing markets as well as NM.

 

Carousel Systems

dba The Goddard School

Brian Breslin

20 Creek Road

Glen Mills, PA 19342

610-558-3700, Fax 558-1550

 

Child Care

The 28-unit chain operates locations in DE, KY, NJ, OH and PA.  The day care and learning centers occupy spaces of 6,200 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities.  Plans call for 50 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets as well as in MD.  The company prefers to build its own sites.

 

Young Oil, Inc.

dba Grub Mart

Brian Young

PO Box 328

Piedmont, AL 36272

205-447-9087, Fax 447-9089

 

Convenience Store

The 57-unit chain operates locations in AL and MS.  The convenience stores occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities.  Plans call for as many as six openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in AL and GA.

 

Just A Buck

Stacey Sheinbaum

c/o Sommers Consultants

155 North Main Street

New City, NY 10956

914-638-4111, Fax 638-3878

 

Discount

The 20-unit chain operates locations in CT, FL, NJ, NY, PA, TN and VA.  The stores, selling general merchandise at the fixed price-point of one dollar, occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft. in regional malls, outlet, power and value centers.  Preferred anchors include Kmart, supermarkets and value-oriented retailers.  Plans call for 15 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place along the East Coast.  Leases running 10 to 20 years are typical and the company is franchising.

 

Circuit City Express

Brett Robinson

c/o Harberg & Masinter Co.

10000 North Central Expressway, Suite 1060

Dallas, TX 75231

214-750-0011, Fax 750-0060

 

Electronics

The 45-unit chain operates locations nationwide.  The consumer electronics stores occupy spaces of 2,800 sq.ft. to 3,000 sq.ft. in regional malls.  Plans call as many as 25 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.  The company is seeking spaces running 2,000 sq.ft. to 2,400 sq.ft.

 

Gold's Gym Enterprises

dba Gold's Gym

Paul Grymkowski

358 Hampton Drive

Venice, CA 90291

310-392-3005

 

Fitness

The 400-unit chain operates locations nationwide.  The health and fitness clubs occupy spaces of at least 12,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities.  Growth opportunities are sought worldwide.

 

Rooms To Go

Jeff Finkel

11540 Highway 92 East

Seffner, FL 33584

813-623-5400, Fax 620-1717

 

Furniture

The 38-unit chain operates locations in FL, GA and NC.  The furniture stores occupy spaces of 20,000 sq.ft. to 25,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities.  Plans call for 10 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets as well as TN.  Preferred demographics include a population of 150,000 within five miles.

 

Great Earth Companies

dba Great Earth Vitamins

Steve Stern

110 East 59th Street

New York, NY 10022

212-421-4000

 

Health

The 112-unit chain operates locations nationwide.  The health food stores occupy spaces of 650 sq.ft. to 850 sq.ft. in regional malls and strip centers.  Plans call for 45 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.

 

Hobby Lobby Stores

dba Hobby Lobby Creative Centers

Bill Darrow

7707 SW 44th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73179

405-681-5997, Fax 682-6921

 

Hobby

The 117-unit chain operates locations in AR, OK, TX, LA, KS, CO, NM, NE, TN, MO and IA.  The stores, selling arts and crafts, frames, floral and fabrics items, occupy spaces of 40,000 sq.ft. to 50,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers.  Plans call for as many as 20 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing markets.

 

Homeplace

Mark Schroder

7887 Hub Parkway

Valley View, OH 44125

216-328-9500, Fax 328-0558

 

Home Decor

The 32-unit chain operates locations nationwide.  The stores, selling a full line of home decor items from kitchen items and small appliances to bed and bath accessories, occupy spaces of 50,000 sq.ft. in power centers.  Plans call for 50 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.  Leases running 15 years are typical.

 

Waccamaw Corporation

dba Waccamaw Pottery

Marc Campbell

3200 Pottery Drive

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

803-236-4606, Fax 236-3666

 

Housewares

The 36-unit chain operates locations in AL, SC, NC, IL, IN, FL, VA, GA, NY and TN.  The stores, selling housewares, linens, art and silk flowers, occupy spaces of 55,000 sq.ft. to 60,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power centers and regional malls.  Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the Midwestern and Southern regions.

 

Bentley's Luggage Corp.

dba Bentley's Luggage

Robert Young

3353 NW 74th Avenue

Miami, FL 33122

305-591-9700, Fax 477-4131

 

Luggage

The 100-unit chain operates locations in DE, FL, GA, MI, PA, IL, MD, MN, MS, OH, SC, VA, AL, KY, MA, TN, WV and WI.  The stores, selling luggage, business cases and gifts, occupy spaces of 2,200 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft. in outlet centers and regional malls.  Plans call for one opening in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in MA.

 

Ludwig Music House, Inc.

dba Ludwig Aeloian Music Stores

John Slump

3600 South Rider Trail

St. Louis, MO 63045

314-739-7007, Fax 739-3203

 

Music

The company operates one location in MO.  The store, selling organs and pianos, occupies a freestanding 6,000 sq.ft. space.  Plans call for one opening in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing market.

 

The Tavel Optical Group

dba Dr. Tavel's One Hour Optical,

Vision Values, Shades

Larry Tavel

2839 Lafayette Road

Indianapolis, IN 46222-2147

317-924-1300, Fax 924-3741

 

Optical

The 33-unit chain operates locations throughout IN.  The optical stores occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 3,200 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, regional malls and strip centers.  Plans call for the opening of four units in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in IL, IN and western OH.

 

Party City

Valerie Szymaniak

400 Commons Way

Rockaway, NJ 07866

201-983-0888, Fax 983-1333

 

Party Supplies

The 150-unit chain operates locations in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, NY, PA, TN, TX, OH, IL, NJ, NC and MD.  The party supply stores occupy spaces of 6,000 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers.  Plans call for 60 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.  The company is franchising.

 

Moto Photo, Inc.

dba One Hour Moto Photo & Portrait Studio

Audrey Saks

4444 Lake Center Drive

Dayton, OH 45426

513-854-6686, Fax 854-0140

 

Photo

The 465-unit chain operates locations throughout North America and Norway.  The stores, offering one-hour photo processing services and portraits, occupy spaces of 1,600 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers.  Plans call for as many as 30 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.  The company is franchising.

 

Wholly Harvest

Scott Richards

c/o RG Partners

245 North Ocean Boulevard

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

305-428-1100, Fax 428-4638

 

Specialty

The two-unit chain operates locations in FL.  The health food markets occupy spaces of 15,000 sq.ft. to 20,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and anchored strip centers.  Plans call as many four openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place in the existing market.  Preferred demographics include a population of 150,000 within five miles earning $45,000 as the average income.  Leases running 10 years are typical and the company prefers a vanilla shell.

 

Wild Birds Unlimited

Paul Pickett

11711 North College Avenue #146

Carmel, IN 46032

317-571-7100, Fax 571-7110

 

Specialty

The 214-unit chain operates locations throughout North America.  The stores, selling bird seed, feeders, houses and nature related gifts, occupy spaces of 1,600 sq.ft. to 2,400 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers.  Plans call for 45 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.

 

Oshman's Sporting Goods, Inc.

dba Oshman's Super Sports USA

Martin Moskowitz

31324 Via Colinas, Suite 115

Westlake Village, CA 91362

818-865-2425, Fax 865-8934

 

Sporting Goods

The 200-unit chain operates locations nationwide.  The sporting goods stores occupy spaces of 50,000 sq.ft. to 85,000 sq.ft. in power centers and regional malls.  Plans call for 14 openings in the coming 18 months.  Expansion will take place nationwide.

 

Moovies, Inc.

dba Moovies

Doug Raines

201 Brookfield Parkway

Greenville, SC 29607

864-213-1700

 

Video

The 151-unit chain operates locations in CT, GA, IA, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC and VA.  The video stores occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. to 7,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers.  Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

 

 

Real Estate Professionals Making News

 

Lee & Associates (909-684-4400) announces that Bernie Glassman has joined the company's South Bay office as an associate broker and that John Radford has joined its Irvine Spectrum office as an associate broker.  The company also announces that Randolph T. Mason has been named a principal broker and elected to the board of director of the company's Irvine Spectrum office.

 

The Ross Realty Group, Inc. (813-725-2800) recently appointed Milton Shelton as senior property manager and Stephen Stone as sales associate.  The company also announced the affiliation of Richard J. Fisher with the organization as director of investment services and Dave Grinnell as property manager.

 

The Galbreath Company/Alexander Summer Division (201-984-1717) announces the appointment of Douglas H. Haynes as president.  Stephen B. Palmer, who has served as president since 1988, was promoted to vice chairman.  The company announces that Thomas G. Selmer has transferred his broker's credentials to the company.  The company also announces that Mark Twentyman has joined its Morristown, NJ office.  He will specialize in international services and investment.

 

Cameron Real Estate Services, Inc. (941-261-1111) announces that the real estate team of Pamela and Gene Van Vleck has been recognized by the National Association of Realtors as the number-one team in the nation for commercial property management.

 

Legend Properties, Inc. (609-231-1010) announces that Bill Ellsoos, Justin Miller, Jerry Snyder and Brian Pace have joined the company.

 

Duke Realty Investments (317-846-4700) announces that Greg Thurman has joined the company as a leasing representative.

 

 

Buyers & Sellers of Commercial Properties

 

Bradley Real Estate, Inc. recently acquired Brookdale Square Shopping Center in Brooklyn Center, MN.  The 185,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by Circuit City, Office Depot and United Artists Theaters.  The purchase price was $8.8 million.

  For more information, contact Thomas D'Arcy at (617-867-4200).

 

CB Commercial Real Estate Group of IL brokered the sale of Melrose Place in Melrose Park, IL.  The 55,033 sq.ft. project is anchored by Aronson Furniture and Denny's.  A Chicago-area investment group purchased the center from McDonnell Douglas Realty Company for $2.9 million.

  For more information, contact George Good at (312-861-7819).

 

Sigma National, Inc. represented Southeast Investment Corporation in its acquisition of the 70,650 sq.ft. Midlothian Station Shopping Center in Richmond, VA.

  For more information, contact Tred Spratley at (804-320-6100).

 

Jack Lupo Realty Co., Inc. brokered the sale of a restaurant in Boca Raton, FL.  La Viola Restaurant purchased the site from Puleos Three, Inc. for $150,000.  The company also brokered the sale of a Tire Kingdom facility in Ormond Beach, FL.  The purchase price was $841,133.

  For more information, contact Jack Lupo Realty Co., Inc. at (407-391-8244), Fax (391-8885).

 

Glimcher Group recently acquired Seeger Square in St. Paul, MN.  The 164,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by Rainbow Foods and Drug Emporium.

  For more information, contact Glimcher Group at (412-765-3333), Fax (765-1903).

 

Grubb & Ellis Company has the listing to sell Manor Oak Complex in Scott Township, PA.  The 221,000 sq.ft. project consists of a strip shopping center and two office buildings.  The asking price is $7.35 million.

  For more information, contact Edward Doran or Michelle Keane Domeisen at (412-281-0100).

 

Mid-America Real Estate Corp. brokered the sale of a 30-acre site for a flagship IKEA furniture store in Schaumburg, IL.  Unocal sold the site to IKEA who plans to build a 413,572 sq.ft. store scheduled to open during Spring 1998.

  For more information, contact David Bossy at (708-954-7300).

 

KLNB, Inc. brokered the sale of 50 acres of retail land to Opus East, LLC for the construction of a 400,000 sq.ft. shopping center in Ellicott City, MD.  Opus East plans to develop Long Gate Center which will be anchored by Safeway, Target, Kohl's and HomePlace.  An October opening is planned.

  For more information, contact KLNB at (703-356-8230).

 

MJB Real Estate Services Corp. brokered the sale of a 13,250 sq.ft. shopping center in Monroe, CT.  The sales price was $1.3 million.

  For more information, contact Mark Brockwell at (203-222-6200).

 

CB Commercial Real Estate Group of Los Angeles, CA represented the buyer, Mission Foothill Partners LLC and its development partner Doerken Properties, Inc. in the purchase of a 14.2 acres parcel of land in Mission Viejo, CA.  The site was purchased from The Mission Viejo Company for $8.7 million.  The buyers plan to develop a 150,000 sq.ft. retail center call Mission Foothill Center.  It will be anchored by a 40,000 sq.ft. Hughes Family Market, a 16,500 sq.ft. Sav-On Drug store and a 10,200 sq.ft. Tutor Time Learning Center.

  For more information, contact Dan Zinke or Bill Howatt at (714-939-2100).

 

 

Exclusives: Leasing & Management Assignments

 

LaSala-Sonnenberg Commercial Realty Co. (913-362-1000) has been named the exclusive subleasing agent for three PharMor properties in Overland Park and Shawnee, KS as well as North Kansas City, MO.  PharMor is downsizing their stores, which will leave between 15,000 sq.ft. to 20,000 sq.ft. for prospective subtenants.

 

Galesi Realty Corp. (201-256-6600) has been appointed the exclusive leasing agent for Riverdale Square Shopping Plaza in Riverdale, NJ.  The 70,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by Gold's Gym, Ruppert's Restaurant and Zeppelin Hobbies & Raceway.  Spaces from 1,500 sq.ft. to 14,000 sq.ft. are available for lease.

 

The Hutensky Group (860-527-2222) has been appointed the exclusive leasing and managing agent of Sand Hill Plaza in Newtown, CT.  The 160,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by Super Stop & Shop, T.J. Maxx and Toy Works.

 

 

Correction

In the March 15, 1996 edition of The Dealmakers it was incorrectly reported that The Goldstein Group (201-703-9700) is the exclusive tenant representative for Sneaker Stadium and Party City.  The Goldstein Group represents these companies, however, not on an exclusive basis.