April 7, 2009
Issue: 13
 
Greetings!

Members Come for FREE!*

April 24, 2009    6:00 p.m.     Westin Town Center Hotel

Viva Las Vegas comes to Hampton Roads in April 2009, to honor retailers all over Virginia.  More than 100 nominations were submitted as potential winners of coveted "Retailer of the Year" honors. 
 
Starting a business is not a simple task, the market is challenging and the obstacles retailers face are difficult.  It takes more than the ordinary entrepreneur to succeed in this competitive industry.  Retailers deserve to be recognized for outstanding customer service and devotion to their community.   
 
This year Retail Alliance will bring Vegas to Hampton Roads for an exhilarating award show unlike anything you have ever been to before!  Which worthy retailer will take home the prestigious award this year?
 
On the evening of Friday, April 24, Retail Alliance members and guests will be entertained and dazzled during the non-stop action awards program at the Westin Town Center Hotel in Virginia Beach, for the second annual Retailer of the Year Gala Event. The clinking of chips, the sound of jazz and the array of Vegas style activities will make this night unforgettable!

* All Retail Alliance members are invited to attend this event at no charge (one per member; $35 for additional tickets; $60 for non-members), but an RSVP is required. Seating is limited. A cancellation fee will be charged to those who are unable to attend after RSVP within three days of the event. 

Retailers Work to Keep Initial Prices Low

cutting prices 2
To avoid slashing prices, retailers are working with suppliers to lower costs initially. Williams-Sonoma is introducing more  merchandise below $100, and J. Crew is looking to keep more pants and knits below $80.

..Chicago Tribune has the full story. ..

Toys R Us Highlights Inexpensive Toys
toys
Toys R Us is adding value sections to the fronts of its U.S. stores. The $1-$2-$3 Fun! shops highlight toys that cost $3 or less, in an effort to target cost-conscious consumers.

Angeles Times has the full story.
Walgreen Clinics Offering Free Care to Unemployed Patients

Walgreen's Take Care Clinics will offer free health care to peopPharmacyle who lose their jobs. The program is available for the rest of 2009 for people who become unemployed starting today and are previous patients of a Take Care clinic.

The Columbus Dispatch has the full story.
 
In This Issue
Retailers Work to Keep Initial Prices Low
Toys R Us Highlights Inexpensive Toys
Walgreen Clinics Offering Free Care to Unemployed Patients
Upcoming Retail 2 Retail Blurr Blistro
Sears Offers Guarantee on Children's Clothing

Retail 2 Retail




Tuesday,
April 21
6-8 p.m.


Norfolk Florist
1220 Baker Road Virginia Beach, 23455

Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments.

Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members.

To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323
 
For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs
click here.
Sears Offers Guarantee on Children's Clothing

sears logo

Sears is promoting its Kidvantage program, which replaces clothes that wear out before children outgrow them. The company is trying to make consumers feel more comfortable without resorting to discounting.

Advertising Age has the full story.
SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA NEXT GENERATION PROGRAM & RECEPTION
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Marriott Norfolk Waterside
235 East Main Street  Hampton Roads Ballroom I - III
Norfolk, VA 23510  
 + 1 757 627 4200
 
Program Agenda
5:30 - 6:30 pm Registration
6:30 - 7:30 pm Roundtable Discussion
7:30 - 8:30 pm Networking Reception
 
"FRANCHISES + CURRENT ECONOMY = WIN/WIN"  
 
While the recession looms, can franchises be the next boom?  The Southeastern Virginia Next Generation  cordially invites you to learn numerous aspects of what may be the only growing trend in the real estate sector.  A panel of leading industry experts will provide their insight in recognizing and creating  opportunities, developing franchises, and which expanding franchises are actively seeking sites in our  market.  Please join us for this unique learning and networking session on how the franchise industry  can reshape the face of today's real estate landscape.  
  
The ICSC educational, networking and mentoring program is specifically designed for real estate  professionals who are seeking to develop their careers and build relationships in the shopping center  industry.  The Next Generation program offers retail real estate professionals the unique opportunity to  meet and interact with their peers, share experiences, exchange ideas and advice in an interactive yet relaxed environment.  Next Generation is also open to seasoned professionals who wish to give back to the industry.  Members and non-members are welcome.  
 
HOW TO REGISTER
Complete the registration form on the reverse side and use one of the
following to send in your form. For fastest registration visit us online
at www.icsc.orgor fax this form. Advance registration is encouraged.
Fax: +1 732 694 1800 (Credit card registrations only)
Online: www.icsc.org (Credit card registrations only)
Mail: International Council of Shopping Centers
P.O. Box 26958, New York, NY 10087-6958

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
All registrations, including fax registrations, must be received at ICSC
by 12:00 noon April 23, 2009. No refunds
or cancellations will be given at any time.