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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Mall Developer Fields Sporting Goods for Neighbor

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. opened its 41st California location at the Glendale Galleria last month, filling a large hole at an anchor location in the mall. The national sporting goods retailer, headquartered in Coraopolis, Penn., took up residence in the formerly vacated three-level box that Nordstrom had until 2013, when it moved to Caruso Affiliated’s Americana at Brand across the street. Dick’s is leasing 75,700 square feet and the first two floors of the former Nordstrom store, as reported by the Glendale News-Press. It will be one of a dozen sports retailers at the mall. Interestingly, Dick’s is Caruso’s tenant, even though Glendale’s General Growth Properties owns the 40-year-old Galleria. When Nordstrom was lured away by Caruso to lease a newly erected 135, 000-square-foot building at the Americana, it sold its space to Caruso – making the rival landlord owner of a key portion of General Growth’s mall. Rick Caruso said in a statement at the time that purchasing the Nordstrom store was a strategic move to help strengthen the tenant mix of the mall, even going as far as to say, “We will work in cooperation with General Growth Properties and the city to revitalize, remerchandize and reposition Glendale Galleria.” A real estate professional familiar with the transaction, but not authorized to speak publicly, said it was a complete surprise to General Growth when Nordstrom decided to switch malls. The owners did not find out until the news was public knowledge. “Even more surprising was learning that the transaction included the Americana owner owning the Galleria’s Nord-strom site,” the source said. Still, the addition of Dick’s Sporting Goods – which has 615 locations and carries an assortment of sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories is seen as a boost for the city. “Its sales tax revenue will be appreciated by the city, of course, and its Southern California advertising will now include Glendale,” the source added. The new store will feature products from popular brands such as Nike and Under Armour and will include more than 40 in-store services for indoor and outdoor specialties such as biking, golfing and fishing. “Dick’s Sporting Goods is the perfect fit for the Glendale Galleria,” said Christina Riojas, marketing manager at the mall. “The store’s mix of sports and lifestyle merchandise is a great complement to the center’s other retailers.” Job Loss Flagship Food Group is closing its Chatsworth plant and more than 120 workers will be terminated as a result, according to a Workers Adjustment Retraining Notification filed with the California Employment Development Department last month. The consumer product company, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo., will begin layoffs Nov. 23; they will continue for two weeks. The notice states that the 20232 Sunburst St. plant will close permanently, and the affected employees will not be reassigned or relocated. Flagship Food Group sells branded and private-label foods including brands such as Oliver James Foods – which was acquired by the company in August – and TJ Farms Select. The company opened a manufacturing and distribution facility in Albuquerque, N.M., last year. Valley Ice Despite one of the warmest fall seasons on record, outdoor ice-skating is back in the San Fernando Valley. Woodland Hills Ice was scheduled to open the rink to the public for its seventh season Nov. 11. The 7,000-square-foot attraction will be open through Jan. 24 in the former Macy’s parking lot of the Westfield Promenade mall. Operated by Special Ice, a Livermore company that runs seasonal and permanent ice rinks in several states, Woodland Hills Ice rink will have real ice and be covered by an overhead tent. Tickets will range from $13 for children to $15 for adults, including skates. The rink will be open seven days a week with a range of services including skate classes, birthday parties and fundraiser opportunities. “We are confident that this season is going to be phenomenal,” said Emery Lykins, president of Special Ice, in a statement. This year, California registered its warmest October on record and second-warmest September, according to the National Weather Service. Holiday Work Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced last month that it will hire more than 3,200 seasonal employees in California for the holiday season – including at greater Valley stores in Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Valencia and West Hills. The retail giant said of the 3,200 seasonal employees hired, many could continue as full-time associates, cashiers and stockers after the season ends. “We’re committed to giving our customers throughout Los Angeles County an excellent shopping experience this holiday season,” said Chad Donath, Walmart regional general manager. “We’re hiring seasonal associates to help deliver a seamless shopping experience.” Staff reporter Champaign Williams can be reached at (818) 316-3121 or [email protected].

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