FOUR NEW STORES TO OPEN INSIDE FORMER EL CAJON SEARS SPACE AT PARKWAY PLAZA
By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor February 23, 2019 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s iconic Parkway Plaza mall has dodged a bullet with the announcement that the recently vacated Sears store at the west end of the mall will be home to four new stores by Memorial Day Weekend. Four retail brands not necessarily associated with traditional retail mall stores will occupy the space. They are Ashley Furniture, Burlington Coat Factory (a discount department store with clothing, household goods and more), EZ Lock Self Storage, and Bob’s Discount Furniture (a national furniture retailer new to the West coast). A part of the El Cajon retail scene since 1969, Sears had reassured the City of El Cajon that it was not planning its close the two-story store, but the company’s corporate planners and bean counters had other ideas. The local Sears store made its final sale last July. Once a mainstay of major North American retailers, the El Cajon store was one of hundreds of Sears stores facing closure nationwide as the company struggles with declining revenues, unable to compete with high rents, online sales and a growing list of competitors. The only other Sears stores in San Diego County still operating are in Chula Vista, Carlsbad, and Escondido. Kmart, also owned by Sears, has only one store operating in San Diego County and it is in Ramona. Sears has closed nearly 400 stores during the past 12 months and now has a total of 434 stores left including others slated to be closed. Both Sears and Kmart had a total of 3,500 US stores between them when they merged in 2005. At its peak in 1999, Sears had 858 full-line stores primarily at malls and some 2,100 specialty stores in freestanding, off-the-mall locations or high-traffic neighborhood shopping centers. The space at Parkway is still owned by Sears’ real estate holding company, Seritage. While Parkway Plaza may be breathing a bit easier for now, it is bracing itself for what may come in the future, since the only department anchor stores still at the mall, J.C. Penney and Macy’s, are in financial quicksand and have announced store closings around the country. Although it does not have a store at Parkway Plaza, Kohl’s is also closing its lower performing stores on the east coast. Carl E. Ball, General Manager of Parkway Plaza, declined to be interviewed for this article, as well as the mall’s representative for Seritage. Follow Paul Kruze on Twitter and Facebook: @PaulKruzeNews Printer-friendly version
“GOODBYE, EL CAJON SEARS. IT’S BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YOU.” STORE LIQUIDATION SALE TO START APRIL 27TH
By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor April 23, 2018 (El Cajon) — An iconic mainstay of El Cajon retail shopping is closing with the sudden announced closing of the Sears store at Parkway Plaza. The official announcement of the El Cajon store’s closing came earlier this week as part of the latest round of eight store closures by the wounded national retailer that plans to close 166 stores this year. The other Sears stores closing in California are located at the Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, and the Solano Town Center in Fairfield. Additional closures are in North Carolina, Nevada, Iowa, Illinois, and Texas. A business news portal, Business Insider, also reported this week that Sears and Kmart (also owned by Sears) would be closing in North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and Massachusetts. The 250,000 square foot El Cajon Sears store opened in 1969 as a free-standing anchor store on the west edge of the property. Shortly thereafter, it was joined with the rest of the mall which included May Company and a large Woolworths store. Another major anchor, JCPenney joined the mall later. Many Sears stores have since been acquired by Seritage, a property development corporation and real estate investment trust (REIT) started by Sears CEO Eddie Lampert in 2015 in order to execute sale and lease-back agreements for 266 Sears and Kmart stores around the country. As a result of the arrangement, the deal has allowed Sears to raise about $2.7 billion dollars to satisfy an enormous debt caused by weak sales. Another troubled retailer singing the retail blues, Macy’s, has closed many of its name brand stores and spun them into a REIT, repurposing them into other retail developments. With the closing of the El Cajon store, the only remaining Sears stores in San Diego County will be in Chula Vista (Chula Vista Center), Carlsbad (Plaza Camino Real) and Escondido (North County Fair). In the past year, the Sears store in La Jolla at University Town Centre was also shuttered. Sources have told ECM that the present plans are for the store’s liquidation sale to begin on Friday, April 27th. Sally, a Sears El Cajon employee who did not want her last name disclosed said, “I’m really heartbroken about the closing of the store. I grew up in El Cajon with this store. I’m really sorry to see it going away.” “We have one or two more big trucks coming to stock the store in the coming weeks, then it is all over,” said Mike, another sales associate. “Then the liquidation sale starts.” ECM observed that the store already seems to be ramping up for liquidation with significant discounts on clothing items throughout the store. But if history is repeated, all may not be lost for El Cajon shoppers and the Parkway Plaza Mall which has courageously braced against the strong winds of current shopping trends, which have shoppers opting to engage in online internet shopping. Seritage has taken back active control of those stores being closed and has been known to triple rent payments by turning the former Sears spaces over to new high-end tenants. Carl E. Ball, Parkway Mall’s General Manager, found out the news on Thursday, April 12th. He declined to directly comment on the closure of the store and directed ECM’s inquiry to Seritage. Parkway Plaza itself has also seen changes when its longtime owner, Westfield Properties, spun the mall off in 2013 to Chicago-based Starwood Retail Partners, which owns other malls and “lifestyle centers” throughout the United States. A statement released by El Cajon City Manager Doug Wiliford indicates that the City of El Cajon was aware of Sears’ plans to downsize its Parkway Plaza store and had been “in conversations with city staff” regarding the likelihood of the store eventually closing, working with them regarding the redesign of the building for new commercial tenants. “Initially, Sears indicated they intended on keeping a reduced sized store open and placing new tenants into the remainder square footage, however, this week we were notified that along with several other Sears throughout the country, they had decided to move ahead with the full closing of the store now,” Williford’s statement reads. “This is a part of the long-term process Sears has been engaged in for several years now to close all stores in the U.S. and replace them with new tenants on all the property owned by Sears.” Williford adds, “The City of El Cajon has been proud to have been home to Sears since the 1960’s and sad to see them go. However, we very much look forward to having the opportunity to welcome new stores to our City in the near future.” The impact of the closing of the Sears store is hard to determine because the City of El Cajon cannot disclose the amount of sales tax paid by Sears or Parkway Plaza. “We are not permitted to disclose sales tax from specific places like Parkway or Sears. What I can say is that, in general, Parkway Plaza is the largest center for retail sales in El Cajon and Sears was, of course, a key part of that center,” Wiliford said. “Nevertheless, we do not believe that Parkway will be damaged by Sears closing given that we expect the entire building to fill up with new tenants in the near future.” Wiliford also pointed out that “the mall” is owned by Starwood Capital, but Sears owns its own building and parking lot in front of the building. Therefore, the City actually deals with both of them as property owners at Parkway Plaza. 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NEED TO RETURN A GIFT? CHECK THESE RETURN POLICIES FOR MAJOR STORES
December 28, 2011 (San Diego)—If you received a gift that doesn’t fit, doesn’t work, or just doesn’t suit your needs, it’s important to return merchandise within the time frame required by merchants—and know each store’s return policy. Below is our guide to return policies for major vendors: BLOOMINGDALE’S Most merchandise can be exchanged for full refund based on original form of payment with no time restrictions. Gift returns receive only store credit. Furniture returns must be scheduled within 3-days of delivery or within 10 days for an exchange. COSTCO Can return every product for a full refund. Following must be returned within 90 days: televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, tablets, MP3 players and cell phones. Must return to a Costco store, or call this number: 1-800-955-2292. DILLARD’S Tags must be attached. No refunds for shipping costs. Personalized or clearance items marked down 65% or more cannot be returned. Must be returned within 30 days in its original, unused form (unless manufacturer defect). Must have receipt or proof of purchase label. IKEA Receipt is needed for all returns/exchanges. Item must be in its original packaging and no more than 90 days old. Refunds issue in same method of payment as purchase. Must have a driver’s license, or form of valid ID. Mattresses can be exchanged but not refunded. K-MART Must have receipt or email confirmation less than 90 days old. Must return the following within 30 days: air conditioners, gas powered equipment, and jewelry and watches. Refunds issued in same manner item was bought. Must be in original packaging with tags. If opened, the following cannot be returned: music, movies, computer software, video games and sports/toy collectible. KOHL’S To return in-store, bring item and the receipt. To return by mail, fill out return slip, pack the merchandise in strong box and use supplied return label. Kohl’s Charge purchases can be returned within 16 months of purchase. MACY’S Gift returns will receive store credit. Can return most purchased items, both in store and online. Need your merchandise and an invoice/receipt or confirmation email. Cannot return: food/gourmet gifts. MARSHALLS Must return, with receipt, within 30 days of purchase for an exchange or refund. 10-day period needed for cash refund on items purchased with checks. If no receipt or 30 days have passed, you can only receive store credit and you must have valid ID. Gift receipts only eligible for store credit or exchange. Used, worn or unsellable items are not eligible for returns or exchanges. MICHAEL’S You must present a valid photo ID. If you have a receipt: Items must be new, unused and in original packaging. Receipt must be no more than 60 days old. Refund offered in original method of payment. If you don’t have a receipt: Refunds given at items lowest price with last 90 days of its being on the shelf. You will receive store credit. Seasonal, technology and clearance items will not be accepted. SEAR’S Return in original packaging with receipt or email confirmation. Must be within 90 days for most items. The following must be returned within 30 days: Home Electronics, Mattresses, air conditioners, gas powered equipment, jewelry and watches. The following can only be returned unopened: Video Games, CD’s, DVD’s, and computer software and sports/toy collectibles. Customized jewelry cannot be returned or exchanged. Return in form of original payment method. Most purchases made from 11/13/11 to 12/10/11 have extended 120 day return time frame . Fine Jewelry, Consumer Electronics, Mattresses have an extended 60 day time frame. TARGET Must be returned in new and unused condition within 90 days of purchase. The following must be returned with 45 days: computer hardware, cameras/camcorders, gift cards, prepaid cell phones, and prepaid cards. The following can only be exchanged if unopened: music, movies, video games and software. All returns must have receipt or gift receipt. Photo ID required. Return policy for specialty items should be listed on receipt. TOYS R US Can return almost any item within 90 days for a full refund. The following must be returned within 45 days: video games/systems, computer software, VHS tapes, DVD’s, music, electronics, radio-control items, trading cards and collectibles. Must be returned in new or like-new condition in its original packaging with all paperwork and accessories. Shipping costs not refunded unless damaged or defective item. WALMART Most items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt exception for some electronic and regulated items. If you don’t have a receipt, you can return in store for cash refund (if under $25), store gift card or sometime an exchange. Must be returned in original packaging. If you’re returning using a gift receipt or packagings slip, you will receive store credit. Printer-friendly version
TRACK SANTA’S FLIGHT AT NORAD’S SANTA SITE–OR ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
December 24, 2011 (North Pole) — For the 56th year, the U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command will be tracking the global flight of Santa Claus as he leaves the north pole and delivers presents around the world on Christmas Eve, December 24, at www.noradsanta.com. This year, NORAD has gone high-tech, adding aps to track Santa via Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Children can also telephone Santa and fine pre-holiday games to play at the site. History and Overview: The program began on December 24, 1955 when a Sears’s department store placed an advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper which told children that they could telephone Santa Claus, and included a number for them to call. However, the telephone number printed was incorrect and calls instead came through to Colorado Springs’ Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center. Colonel Shoup, who was on duty that night, told his staff to give all children that called in…a "current location" for Santa Claus. The tradition began which continued when the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) replaced CONAD in 1958. NORAD relies on volunteers to make the program possible. Each volunteer handles about forty telephone calls per hour, and the team typicallyhandles more than 12,000 e-mails and more than 70,000 telephone calls from more than two hundred countries and territories. Most of these contacts happen during the twenty-five hours from 2:00 a.m. on December 24 until 3:00 a.m. Mountain Time Zone on December 25. Starting at midnight Mountain Standard Time (11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time) on December 24, website visitors can watch Santa as he makes all the preparations for his flight. Then, at 3 a.m. PST, trackers worldwide can talk to a live phone operator to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@gmail.com. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will also stream videos as Santa makes his way over various locations worldwide. The NORAD Tracks Santa website went live December 1, and features a Countdown Calendar, a Kid’s Countdown Village with holiday games and activities that change daily and video messages from students and troops from around the world. The website is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese. For the first time, using free apps in the Apple iTunes Store and in the Android market, parents and children can use their smart phones to count down the days until Santa and his reindeer take off from the North Pole to deliver presents to kids everywhere. Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Twitter also offer tracking opportunities. Santa followers can type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started. And that is not the only technology that goes into the Santa tracking mission. To track the big man in red, NORAD uses radar, satellites, Santa cams and fighter jets. A NORAD radar system called the North Warning System consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On December 24, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole. The moment radar indicates a lift-off; satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature that allows the satellites to detect Santa’s sleigh. NORAD starting using the Santa cam network in 1998. Santa cams, according to NORAD, are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras prepositioned at many locations around the world. They use the cameras once a year to capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer. In the air, Canadian NORAD pilots flying the CF-18 fighter will intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in F-15s, F-16s or F-22 Raptors will fly alongside Santa’s airborne sleigh pulled by his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. Once data is collected on December 24, it is pushed into Google Maps and Google Earth so families all over the world can follow Santa. Thanks to these systems and technologies, starting at midnight Mountain Standard Time on December 24, visitors to the NORAD Santa website can watch Santa’s progress around the globe. http://www.noradsanta.org/ Printer-friendly version