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 Cellairus rings up mobile accessories By Margaret Jackson Mobile phones are for Many proud owners of the devices a fashion statement as much as an iT tool. That is why cell-phone accessories retailer Cellairis, normally a kiosk operator in mall common areas, is suddenly making like a fashion tenant. Cellairis has plans to roll out as many as 100 full-service stores at regional shopping centers by the end of this year. The company manufactures most of its products — accessories that complement mobile devices and tablets, such as cases, earbuds, headphones, armbands and chargers — in several factories in China. The company also provides repairs of tablets and cell phones. "We're definitely in growth mode," said Michael Duarte, the company's vice president of real estate development. "if the space is available and we like the location, we'll open a store." Cellairis has a long-term goal of 4,000 locations, including kiosks and in-line stores, in the U.s. and overseas. The company's ideal in-line space measures about 1,400 square feet, but sites measuring 500 square feet to 2,000 square feet are good too. Cellairis looks for regional shopping centers that generate about $400 in annual sales per square foot and which have mobile providers and electronics stores nearby. The company plans to keep opening kiosks — of which it currently op- erates about 700 across nearly all 50 states — even while it builds in-line stores. The alpharetta, Ga.–based chain opened a store in January right at home, in north point Mall, and also in Clinton, Mich., and even one in london. The company signed six leases with Taubman Centers last year, including one in Cherry Creek shopping Center, in Denver, for a store scheduled to open this summer. "Cellairis is an example of a retailer that is truly entrepreneurial," said nick leMasters, general manager of Cherry Creek shopping Center. "They saw a void in the marketplace and filled it. i give them a lot of credit, because that's what great entrepreneurs do: They fill a need." DOWNLOAD THE AURASMA APP TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AND FOLLOW THE FEDERAL REALTY CHANNEL TO WATCH THIS IMAGE COME TO LIFE. ASSEMBLY ROW, SOMERVILLE, MA Meet the Placemakers. Creating places where people want to be creates value for all. 126 SCt / M a y 2 0 1 3