Retail


Missouri Reopening Guidelines Released

Many parts of the State of Missouri will reopen next week, and it's going to be all about social distancing come May 4. Retail stores will be able to open their doors if people are at least six feet away… more

Major Retailers Call for Uniform Reopening Plans

Two of the biggest retail trade organizations are calling on governors to have a "mutually agreed upon blueprint" for reopening stores. The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association are asking for states to follow CDC guidelines and… more

Consumer Confidence Plunges in April

Yet another economic report provided grim news in the wake of COVID-19's spread. The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment has come in at 71.8 for the month, down 26.1 percent year over year and 19.4 percent month over… more

KC Fed Manufacturing Survey Hits Record Low

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's month manufacturing survey examining the region had its lowest reading in its history since launching in 1994. “Regional factory activity continued to decline in April, with our composite index falling to the lowest… more

EPR Properties Sees Rent-Payment Dive

Kansas City-based EPR Properties, which operates experiential real estate properties in 44 states, such as entertainment centers with cinemas, has only received 15 percent of rent payments from tenants so far in April. As result, EPR is deferring rent payments… more

Macy’s Might Consider Debt Versus Bankruptcy

Macy's, the country's largest department-store chain, with five locations in the Kansas City area, might reportedly consider taking on up to $5 billion in debt instead of filing for bankruptcy. Inventory would be used as collateral to raise $3 billion… more

Net Lease Transactions Rise in Q1

Net lease transaction volume nationally for the year's first quarter were up during the first quarter, but that was before the major pain from COVID-19 hit the commercial real estate market. Transaction growth was on pace with 2019 volumes, which… more

Restaurant Industry Seeks Bailout From Congress

The restaurant industry has had widespread strife since stay-at-home orders were put into place in states across the country, and now the National Restaurant Association (NRA) lobbying group is asking Congress for funding. The group is reportedly asking Congress for… more

Cheesecake Factory Getting $200M Cash Infusion

Restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory, with two prominent area locations, has received $200 million in financing from a private investment group. The company, based in California, has locations in the Country Club Plaza, as well as one on 119th Street… more

Best Buy Furloughs Hourly Employees

National electronics chain Best Buy, which operates eight stores in the Kansas City Metro area, is furloughing 51,000 hourly employees and nearly all of its part-time workers. The retailer switched to curbside-only business on March 22, due to COVID-19, and… more