Wednesday, August 20, 2008

rue21 Lifts Spirits at Florida ICSC


WASHINGTON, DC--Retail leasing pros weren’t optimistic coming into this year’s ICSC Florida Conference in Orlando, notes Kurt Ivey, (top right photo) Senior Vice President, Marketing at MadisonMarquette.

" The economy is slumping and many retailers aren’t expanding this year. Expectations sank even lower Monday morning when tropical storm “Fay” forced many to cancel or alter their travel plans," Ivey says in his Places Magazine Blog published by MadisonMarquette.

"But like a breath of fresh air, affordable teen fashion retailer rue21 lifted everyone’s spirits by announcing that they were looking to add 100 new stores this year — including a significant expansion in Florida.

" The announcement came during the “Hot Retailers” session and really seemed to energize everyone.

"Other bright spots included the continued rapid expansion of the Five Guys burger franchise in Florida and around the country. I’m also sensing continued bullishness towards Orlando and the entire Southeast Florida region — even despite the housing market."



CONTACT: Kurt Ivey, Senior Vice President, Marketing, MadisonMarquette, kurt.Ivey@madisonmarquette.com


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