Warner Center Fry’s a Most Extraordinary Commercial Sale

A Oct. 24 report said that the 8-acre Woodland Hills parcel that Fry’s Electronics sits on at 6100 Canoga Ave. has sold for $35 million to BLT Enterprises, which specializes in construction management of commercial properties. According to Valley News Group, BLT would not comment on the purchase. Gary Graumann of TD Commercial, who transacted the deal out of Palo Alto on behalf of Fry’s, did not respond back to the Business Journal. The fate of the Palo Alto-based Fry’s Electronics chain has recently come under scrutiny and speculation. In October, San Jose Mercury News reported that customers posted photos of empty shelves, while stores have retreated to a consignment strategy, with observers of the 1985-started retailer blaming Amazon.com Inc.-driven e-commerce, among other retail phenomena. The closing of a Palo Alto Fry’s triggered the Mercury News report, even though the company has no apparent plans to fold or close its remaining 33 stores in nine states. Over three decades, the company has endeared itself to shoppers by devoting a visual scheme individual to each store; i.e. Burbank’s “Mars Attacks” B-movie flying saucer invasion theme at Tim Burton’s hometown Fry’s. The late Palo Alto store boasted Wild West flourishes and Manhattan Beach’s outlet is Tiki-themed. Other stores have included Mayan, Ancient Egyptian and NASA space program décor. While BLT’s development plans for the Warner Center property may be uncertain, its Fry’s, as of press time, is still in operation. The store features an eye-catching “Alice in Wonderland”-themed décor.