NEW YORK CITY-New Plan Excel officials plan about 800 meetings at the ICSC's Spring Convention, close to the number it had last year, CEO Glenn Rufrano said. One of the main focuses of the meetings will be on the 13 redevelopment projects the company has in the pipeline. Among the national retailers company officials plan to meet with include Wal-Mart and Kroger. Some specific properties that locally based the owner of 408 centers is targeting are in Maryland and Ohio.
LAS VEGAS-The Liz Claiborne concept, which opened its first store in Simon's Forum Shops last year, has expansion potential in similar tourist-driven and upscale markets, industry observers say. Juicy Couture's ability to expand has been enhanced by the brand's wide range of products, including accessories, other apparel, menswear and children's clothing. Company executives forecast the opening of a handful of stores this year but haven't released any locations. South Beach and Los Angeles and other Southern areas could be good potential markets, according to one analyst.
