Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/122387
r e T a i l i n g T o d a y they are bringing in more ethnic products. The recession conditioned consumers to be cautious about their disposable income, and, to be sure, value remains an important and distinguishing characteristic in comparison shoppers' minds. "At the same time, grocers have recognized that they can't sell just on price," said Sandy Sigal, CEO of NewMark Merrill Cos. Chains are adding experience, in terms of store look and feel, and food specialties as a way to distinguish themselves. "I think those elements have worked together 54 SC T / M a y 2 0 1 3 nicely to provide a much better product for the consumer," Sigal said. NewMark Merrill held a grand opening in March for Superior Grocers at its Park Plaza on Maine shopping center, a 96,000-square-foot neighborhood center in Baldwin Park, Calif. Although Superior Grocers is a small chain, with just 35 stores, NewMark Merrill picked the chain because it is known for posting twice the sales volume of some of the bigger-name chains. "They are very good at customizing their business to what is going to be best for the surrounding community," said Sigal. The challenge for landlords is to choose anchors with the staying power to keep driving traffic. Edens tries to keep customers returning to its centers about three or four times per week. "The grocer plays a really key role in being one of the central parts