BIRMINGHAM, AL-Saks Inc. is closing 11 underperforming stores, most of them in California. The closures could improve the company's health, one analyst says.

LEXINGTON, KY-The Chattanooga, TN-based mall owner and operator is expanding Fayette Mall here by 140,000 sf, a deal that a local source values at $14M. Dick's Sporting Goods will join the center as an anchor.

LEOMINSTER, MA-Delhaize Group is paying $175 million for Victory Supermarkets and folding it into its 125-store Hannaford subsidiary. The acquisition of the 19-store Victory strengthens Hannaford in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

BIRMINGHAM, AL-Colonial Properties Trust is putting six of its 17 malls on the market. The company says it is trying to reduce its exposure to malls but bulk up its open-air center portfolio.

SAN FRANCISCO-By mid-2005, the locally based apparel retailer plans to have 10 of the stores in operation. The yet-to-be-named chain will target the same customers as Chico's, Talbots and others, analysts say.

NEW YORK CITY-Coach, now with about 175 US units, plans to double that total with 20 store openings a year. The retailer says it also wants to expand in Japan, citing a growing demand for its goods in that country.

NEW YORK CITY-Chains are also blaming Hurricane Charley and shifting Labor Day promotions on poor results. Wal-Mart's sales are nearly flat, while May Department Stores posts a 5.6% drop.

NEW YORK CITY-Chains are also blaming Hurricane Charley and shifting Labor Day promotions on poor results. Wal-Mart's sales are nearly flat, while May Department Stores posts a 5.6% drop.