American Eagle’s Martin + Osa Done?

It looks like American Eagle’s experiment to attract an older consumer didn’t work out too well. The retailer is supposedly closing down its 28 store Martin + Osa chain that it launced in 2006.

The news follows a strong January sales period for the company. Same-store sales rose 10% during the month and quarterly revenues were to come in at a 5% hike, way about a 10% in 2008’s fourth quarter.

Can Walmart, Target Adapt to Smaller Stores?

It seems like every big-box retailer out there is looking to size down store sizes in efforts to grow in urban areas. Walmart is focusing on smaller stores. Target kind of has plans to do the same. Home Depot is already incorporating the strategy.

On the surface, it makes sense. Even with higher real estate costs, these chains are moving into high-density areas with significant household incomes.

Is Ann Taylor on a Rebound?

Ann Taylor could use some bright news, and some is apparently coming its way. The apparel retailer said that fourth quarter results are coming in ahead of of its expectations.

Flat same-store sales are projected, including a 2% rise at its Loft concept. Meanwhile, the gross margin rate is seen at 52%, way higher than the 35.7% recorded during the prior year’s fourth quarter.

Movie Gallery Could Close 1,800 Stores

Movie Gallery might file bankruptcy this week and could end up as one of the first big chains to close massive amount of stores. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Hollywood Video parent could close two thirds of its units, or 1,800 locations.

This move comes as Blockbuster is in plans to close 1,000 stores of its own and reported poor holiday sales. Obviously, the physical movie-rental business is not the best enterprise to be in right now

Malls Survive With Alternative Uses

Since the industry has faced a rash of store closures in the last year, landlords are looking for other types of tenants to fill spaces.

In Scranton, PA, the local paper talks focuses on the Mall at Steamtown, which is operated by Fameco Real Estate and apparently 17% vacant. Management is now focusing on non-traditional tenants to fill up that space.

Filene’s Bankruptcy Finally Over

So Filene’s Basement is going to survive. The discount chain emerged from Chapter 11 bankrpuptcy, and it’s 23 stores are now owned by Syms Corp. and Vornado Realty Trust.

Both firms will operate Filene’s under its iconic name. But its flagship location in Boston’s Downtown Crossing is still in limbo.

Retail Sales Poised to Rise This Year?

The National Retail Federation predicts a better year in 2010. The trade group says retail sales will increase 2.5% this year over the 2.5% drop that took place in 2009.

What is the cause of the improvement? A perceived upswing in the job and housing markets.

More Bad Times at Sam’s Club

Walmart’s chain of warehouse-style membership clubs is the bringer of more bad news. Reports say that the company is letting go of more than 11,000 workers around the country.

The measure follows an announcement that Walmart will close 10 Sam’s Clubs across the country that are loosing money. No further closures were announced.

Uno Chicago Grill Files for Bankruptcy

Another significant chain just joined the ranks of retailers and restaurants filing for bankruptcy in the last year. Uno Restaurant Holdings, owner of the Uno Chicago Grill deep-dish pizza chain filed Chapter 11 earlier this week after facing an overload of debt and declining sales, which are hurting many casual restaurant chains during the recession.

The owner of 179 full-service restaurants as well several quick-service locations in airports and other non-traditional venues, already closed 16 of its larger units.

Starbucks Turnaround in Full Swing

It seems like things are improving at Starbucks. The coffee giant posted first-quarter earnings of $241.5 million, and a same-store sales gain of 4%, it’s first since 2008.

Executives attributed the improvement, in part, to its new Via instant coffee. Starbucks also cut costs and closed stores in the last year and a half.