Is the new hot sporting goods store in town.

Hibbett Sporting Goods stores are in over 23 states including: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

They concentrate on smaller markets that are at least 25 miles (typically) from other sporting goods stores and are looking to open another 70-80 stores in 2009. They are planning to open more stores in existing states but they are also looking to expand into new ones.

There is a Hibbett Sports in Green at 470 Arlington Ridge in Akron if you want to sneak a peak! Hibbett is definitely an interesting concept and worth a trip to their website!!

They say “Beware of Greeks Baring Gifts” – in this case, it could be a pleasant surprise! Before I continue any further, I must admit I am not a huge fast food supporter. My job definitely has me eating out most meals and days of the week (for better or worse) BUT I make a point to try and hit some nicer restaurants that serve healthier meals/portions. With that being said – we all enjoy bad stuff here and there! Well, this place is not so bad!

I was reading my SCT Magazine (Shopping Centers Today) and came across a new fast food chain – EVOS. Like all good Greek restaurant owners, these owners chose the name Evos from the Greek derivative of the word “evolve.” The three partners are Dino Lambridis, Alkis Crassas, and Michael Jeffers. They are based in Tampa and currently have 5 stores with 107 in 12 states set to open in the next 5 years. (Ohio is within the states named – yippy!)

Evos is a new burger stop and what separated their food from the normal fast food burger is how it is prepared. Evos prides itself in cooking a healthier way (oven baked vs. fried) and their drinks are made with healthier ingredients (ie: Milkshakes are Milk/sugar, fruit drinks are made with real fruit vs. corn syrup!) The ingredients are organic, natural, hormone and antibiotic free, as well as minimally processed. (On a side note – not sure if anyone has read “Skinny Bitch” – OMG – this will mean that much more!!! A topic for another day ) They’re even environmentally responsible; the paper is recycled with a soy-based ink. Bravo Bravo

The first Evos restaurant opening in 1994 and began franchising in 2006 with the Henderson Restaurant. Their prices are considered “affordable” (I have not seen them or know what their price point is) and they consider their “competitors” Chipotle and Panera Bread. (I tried downloading the menu but it was really slow.)

SO – I will work on getting them here sooner – in the meantime – enjoy MetroBurger!!

Technology News & Trends

As I am laying at the beach, enjoying the sun, surf, and vodka (I am really a vodka girl – I know rum/ tequila is the thing down here but not for me) I was reading the ULI (Urban Land Institute) 2nd Quarter Real estate investors survey. (I am embarrassed for myself - I know!!)

There were many interesting points about the market, in various areas around the US. BUT – one of the sections in the booklet was about technology news and trends. This section basically talked about the GIS and its impact in the real estate world. Most counties have a GIS (Geographic Information System) available – we are luck because Summit Country has a GREAT GIS Site. This led me to thinking about all the real estate sites that make my job easier and more fun. SO – I am going to break down my some of my favorite sites for commercial and residential that are good to know and fun to explore.

Commercial:

1. Summit County GIS Site: This can be tricky the first time you go to it. There will be a category called "Interactive Online Tax Map Application" - Click on it and after 500 yrs (sometimes it loads slowly) the menu will pop up for you to explore!
2. Ohio Secretary of State:
(This is good for looking up who the business principles are at the space you are interested in – its one of the commercial industries dirty little secrets!)
3. Loopnet – a good tool for available properties all over the country
4. Costar: An interesting site – good for comps – just ok for everything else
5. Google Maps & Yahoo Maps (These are my two favorite free sites)

Residential:

1. The MLS Site (Multiple Listing Service)
2. Trulia.com - this site is cool because you can look at houses by area code – their valued prices tend to be on the low side
3. Some of the various real estate houses websites; Smythe Cramer, Stouffer, Coldwell Banker

These are just a couple examples but all are fun to explore!! Check them out – give me your thoughts!!

On a totally different note - I will leave you with a photo from our room. PV has been ridic gorg. I am taken by the view of the ocean and the horizon. I can’t pinpoint what it is I like so much about it but there is something. I have been lucky to travel to a number of hot destinations with lovely beaches but there is something different here. Ok – I am rambling BUT I will think about what it is I love so much and report back! Adios Amigos!!!

View of the Ocean from the Balcony

Hello All!!

I have much to write about!! I am in Puerto Vallarta!!!
The trip here was great – go Continental Airlines! The flights were on time and comfortable. I flew from CLE to Houston and then from Huston to PV. I had the whole row to myself from CLE to Houston and sat with lovely people from Houston to PV. It was completely enjoyable! So now that I have a short interim of peace – I promise to write a lot about the market and the real estate in Puerto Vallarta (maybe some fun side trips that we took)!! The Mr is unfortunately not with me – he is enjoying the sunny coast of Seattle. (One of the hottest real estate markets currently in the US. A topic for another day). But – my adventures will be special nonetheless.

Life has been hectic lately. I have feel like I have been in a mini tornado, which has been exciting. Retail wise – the market has been fine!! I see a lot of growth with the 1200-1500 SF spaces. Some of the reasons for the trend have been job layoffs. People who have recently lost their jobs and are starting the business they always dreamed of doing! The big box stuff has been ok but national companies that are practically based vs need based are booming!

I have also been busy with my other interests. I really enjoy giving back to the community and raising awareness/ money for some of the non-profits in town that make Akron the interesting community it is!

I was asked to host the International Institute of Akron’s annual fundraiser. They wanted to change the format a bit. This event is not the boring suit/ dinner/ dance gala. It is a celebration of cultures and fun. The theme is the Olympics. This is appropriate for a number of reasons;

1. The Olympics celebrate all cultures coming together to compete and play!
2. The Summer Olympics start August 8th and close August 25th
3. It is a good excuse to gear an event that is interesting for both men and women.

My event is August 22nd at Musica (downtown Akron). The event will feature an open bar, heavy apps, an 8 piece Latin band, and GAMES!!! There will be two Wii Consults set up (both will be raffled off at the end of the night for $20.00) and arcade games like soccer, basketball, and etc. This is an event for adults to come and PLAY!! (For more info call the International Institute at 330.375.5106)

The second event, which is near and dear to me, is the Akron Urban League’s event. I am participating in “Dancing with the Stars- AKRON”!! YEAH BABY! For those of you that know me – it is usually impossible to get me off the dance floor. WELL – When I heard about their event and was able to participate – I was over the moon!!! SO – I have been practicing with my dance partner (a guy who works in my building who is fabulous!! The Mr has two left feet but the best of intentions!!) SO – we have been practicing nonstop. The Urban League is having their event August 15th at their new building on V Odom Blvd. This event should also be fabulous.

BUT – back to business. The last thing happening that has caused me to be crazy train is the CBRE retail group has redefined who we are to the retail world. It is very exciting. CBRE acquired a firm previously known as Redstone Real Estate group – the firm is incredible and I am excited about our new endeavors.

SO – that is the recap, for this week, life will be less hectic and I will have many stories to share. Watch out ladies!!

Amanda ("Lilly") and Joshua Montague are the owners and creators of Lilly's Handmade Chocolates, which resides in Tremont. This atmosphere of her store is the closest feeling of Paris that Cleveland has to offer!! Ms. Montague is a graduate of Johnson & Wales' culinary program. She mastered her craft at home and then took to retail!! Joshua (her husband) is the executive chef at the nearby Tremont Tap House.
When you first walk into Lilly's, you are struck by two things;
1. It is VERY clean and sterile - yet warm and inviting!
2. Lilly's hot pink theme - from the walls to her hair.
The retail space is very tastefully done!! The store has hardwood floors, the West wall is painted black and has hot pink wallpaper stripes (Lilly imported the wallpaper from England - it was not cheap but it is very chic!), the East wall is lined with beers (I didn't get a good look at the beers but they all looked very different and interesting!), and in the middle of the room is an Icarus Lamp Fixtuer! I am addicted to this light fixture. (Two reasons: the Greek in me, the Greek Mythological tale of Icarus and the airiness of the fixture!!!) The counter features her handmade chocolate truffles - they are hand painted and displayed like little diamonds in a case!! Finally - there is Lilly herself - she is a cross between Gwen Stephanie and Lilly Allen! The hot pink hair for sure but also a strong sense of self/personal style!! The space, smells, and warm welcome instantly make you want to try every chocolate and become a daily patron!
Lilly offers a variety of handcrafted truffles - 19 to be exact (approx. HA) The names of the truffles are as fun as her store; ie: Southern Gentleman, Midnight, Ruby, and Breakfast are just a couple! My personal favorite was the key Lime Truffle!! OMG - It was like eating pie but in heaven! The chocolates are simply divine because they are made fresh daily, without artificial additives, flavorings, or preservatives, the chocolates are amazing. A box of six pieces goes for $11, a dozen for $22, or 15 for $27.
Lilly Handmade Chocolates
761 Starkweather Avenue
216-771-3333
www.lillytremont.com
Hours are:
Tuesday through Thursday: noon to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The shop is closed Mondays.
Go and try it - it is the most romantic place!!!!!

This story came out of our Pittsburgh office and I thought it was so good I wanted to share!!

Category killers, the retailers that build relatively large stores and specialize in certain types of goods, need a new name.

Some of the biggest U.S. sellers of books, consumer electronics, home furnishings and office products appear to be dying a slow death. Growing competition and a slumping economy are endangering their financial health.

Office Depot Inc., the world's second-largest retailer of office supplies, is among them. The company's shares have fallen for the last seven quarters, the longest streak in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Two days ago, they tumbled 32 percent on disappointing second-quarter sales and earnings figures.

Circuit City Stores Inc., a money-losing electronics chain put up for sale in May, piled up the S&P 500's biggest run of losses before its removal from the index in March. The stock has declined for eight quarters in a row and lost 22 percent this month as Blockbuster Inc. abandoned a proposed takeover.

Borders Group Inc. set a record low on March 20, when the second-biggest U.S. bookstore owner asked for bids, scrapped its dividend and borrowed from investor William Ackman's hedge fund, its largest shareholder. The stock fell to $3.97 that day, and closed 46 cents above that price yesterday.

There's also Linens 'n Things Inc., the home-furnishings retailer that filed for bankruptcy just 27 months after a buyout by Apollo Management LP. The company is going through a round of store closures and is seeking court approval for a second.

Competitive Balance

None of these companies is exactly bumping off competitors. And another term used to describe them — big-box retailers, or chains of single-story, free-standing stores with tens of thousands of square feet apiece — also applies to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp., the biggest discounters.

Wal-Mart has advanced 21 percent this year as consumers flock to its stores for bargains. While Target has fallen 5.4 percent, it's beating the S&P 500 by about 10 percentage points.

The two most evenly matched category killers in the stock market may be Home Depot Inc. and Lowe's Cos., the largest U.S. home-improvement chains. Both have dropped more than 10 percent this year as the housing market has deteriorated.

Elsewhere, the balance is a whole lot more lopsided. Staples Inc., the world's largest seller of office products, trades at about triple the price-earnings ratio of Office Depot and OfficeMax Inc., the U.S.'s third-largest chain.

Best Buy Co., the country's biggest electronics chain, is holding up much better than Circuit City. Its shares have lost 24 percent this year, around half as much as its competitor.

Bankruptcy Benefit

Within the book business, Amazon.com Inc. has fallen less than Borders and Barnes & Noble Inc., the world's largest bookseller — and a potential bidder for Borders.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., the biggest U.S. home-furnishings retailer, stands to benefit from the bankruptcy of Linens 'n Things. The company picked up market share in its fiscal first quarter and its shares have lost only 2.4 percent this year.

Describing the losers as category killers just doesn't make sense. They are more like dead men walking.

CONGRATULATIONS TO AKRON!!! We are officially an "All American City". There were ten cities selected from the 16 finalists, Akron was the first city named. The other 9 cities ranged from suburbia to St Louis.

The trip has been very nice. Yesterday was the final day for the conference. The judges made the announcement at 7:00 last night and a very nice reception followed. Later, a small group of us took the trolly into Ybor and had dinner at this little Argentinean Restaurant that was AMAZING! I ate so much my stomach hurt!

We leave for Akron today - I am ready to come home. I miss my "All American City!"

Day one completed for our petition to be an "All American City."

Florida is HOT!!! Actually, it is HUMID and hot! The flight down was good - lots of fun people all here to promote Akron!!! The hotel is nice! Tampa is interesting. (I have not been to Florida that many times - 1. Clearwater for a wedding 2. Orlando - Disney when I was 16 and 3. Miami - to see MADONNA!! WOO HOO - that was fabulous!) So my experience with FL has been limited. I am here again, sitting on my balcony, overlooking the canal/marina enjoying the morning sun.

We are at the Waterside Marriott and the sheets, view, and pool are all lovely (but we did move rooms 4 times because of issues - The Mr was ready to push me into the canal BUT our end result is lovely and well worth my insanity.)

balcony-1

Tampa is an interesting place. It is a very nice city - the architecture is typical Florida (the whole bright colors, balconies, fun stuff) BUT the backdrop is an industrial port. (See pics) The tankers, trains, and construction are incredible. The condos we have seen (from what I have seen - not through any formal research) appear to start at $300K. Not cheap. BUT - the city has been fun - lots to see and do.

Yesterday afternoon we made our presentation to the committee. This title of "All American City" is prestigious for a couple reasons, you have to be chosen to participate and there were over 900 applicants with only 16 cities selected. There are three groups within the selected cities and it is based on size. Since we are considered one of the larger cities - we are only competing with larger cities (ie: St Louis.) BUT - the process was fun. You have ten minutes to give a presentation on your city. Our presenters were The Mayor, Burnett Williams, Dave Leiberth, Mike Lehere, and the woman who runs the Alchemy Inc program at Perkins Middle School. The judges then have a ten min period to ask questions from our group. They questions were not fluffy. They ranged from a failed school levy to the youth programs in Akron. The speakers were wonderful and I was very proud to be a resident of Akron. We find out the results tonight!!

People joke about Akron being a second class place to live but what they are missing is how incredible we really are! We bring so much to the table as a city and should be proud of where we live!

The Cleveland Clinic is amazing! I know that sounds fluffy but there is no better way to describe the hospital. Over the past couple years, I have been through some medical issues that eventually required a trip up to the CC - I can't remember better service, a more wonderful staff, and more interesting space. As I gush - I am also getting to the point!!

Last week - I was given an opportunity to tour one of the new buildings the Cleveland Clinic built, The Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion (the new heart and vascular center.) The tour was held through a real estate organization called ULI - the Urban Land Institute. ULI put together a great event for young leaders, it was a tour of the new heart facility and then a presentation given by Peter Volas, who is the head of real estate for the CC and completely lovely.

The tour started with us receiving hard hats (mine matched my all white silk suit!!! That was a nice touch on behalf of the construction guys) and hearing some details about the building in the new lobby, one of which was the cost - $506 million dollars. That would buy some shoes!!! We were then ushered to the 8th floor to see the pavilion. LADIES & GENTLEMEN - OMG - breathtaking is not the right word. We were in an all glass sitting area that overlooked the Euclid Corridor with Downtown Cleveland as a backdrop on the horizon. It was one of those moments that creates silence (there were more to follow!) We walked down a floor where the "utility" rooms reside. This area was described by the project manager as the innards of a submarine or a spaceship! The piping, generators, and ceiling height alone brought us all to silence - AGAIN! We were quickly ushered to the electrical side of this floor. Talk about flip the switch - the power that goes into this building is incredible. Row after row of machines humming softly. It was cool - temperature wise too! I wonder how many BTUs it takes to cool this area! We were then taken to the floor below (my feet and shoes were pleased we were taking the steps down vs up!) which is where the operating rooms are laid out. They are bright and BIG! The OR's at the facility are bigger than the average OR by more than 100 SF. The big round lights around the operating table were dazzling (and they were off!) The OR we saw was state of the art and efficient. We were then directed to the second to last stop on the tour, the patient rooms. They are all private rooms, feature a chic design, and have air control - I am not talking AC - I am talking - if there is a patient with a hazardous disease the amount of air to the room can be controlled. The air pressure can be less or more depending on the patients needs!! AMAZING. The rooms are beautiful in a contemporary sort of way. They are like being at a boutique hotel. The room was very sleek, modern, and with all the latest gadgets (but they were all hidden in the walls.) The room was cool! Our tour concluded on the second story of the lobby where we were told about the fire suppression system. The PM told us that two days prior they had to fill the lobby with thick smoke to prove the filter would clear the lobby - it worked and cleared the smoke within minutes! The tour was great!

We then headed to the Inter-Continental Hotel where Peter gave his talk and took questions. His presentation was very nice - he gave us a lot of his time and answered a series of questions. Peter is very cool. He is constantly on the move but makes you feel like you are never interrupting his day. CC is lucky to have him!

I am not giving the tour or the building justice with this article. Hopefully you are all lucky enough to never have to visit this center BUT if you are there then take a look around and indulge your senses. You will not be disappointed!

For more factual information on this building, below find some of my "Control Key C" action and a link for a virtual tour!

The ten-story hospital tower and technology center will feature:
The Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion: The new gateway and main entrance to The Cleveland Clinic. The Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion will feature outpatient diagnostic facilities including 115 examination rooms and 170 physician offices. There will also be laboratories and other clinical facilities to support our many speciality areas.

Technology Building: Surgeons and cardiologists will carry out complex and highly technical procedures, and patients will receive around-the-clock intensive care. The Technology Building will feature:

16 cardiothoracic operating rooms
12 cardiac catheterization labs
8 electrophysiology labs
combined catheterization, electrophysiology, surgery preparation and recovery area
a hospital unit for patients to recover from same-day procedures
4 specialized intensive care units, including a coronary intensive care unit, a heart
failure intensive care unit and two surgical intensive care units
cardiac radiology and nuclear medicine facilities
Hospital Tower: Inpatient facilities featuring 288 hospital beds (most in private rooms), with a focus on amenities that promote our “healing hospitality” concept for patient care.
Fully-equipped Conference Center: Telemedicine, satellite video and digital imaging capabilities to enable doctors from around the world to meet, confer and share knowledge.

You can take a virtual tour at: Meet the Building

YUM YUM and lots of fun are all I have to say!!!
There is a new hotspot in "The Valley" - Merriman Valley to be exact, Tasty Jones. This bar & grille is something different!

Tasty Jones' features 5 huge flat screen TVs (one that is going to drop from the ceiling), alligator shaped stools, and an indoor bocce ball court! There is a no guest left behind policy, all patrons are to sign a wall in the back hallway of the restaurant. TJ boasts a new kitchen and chef that are sure to please. The menu features fun foods items like fried baloney, thick juicy gourmet burgers, and crisp salads!

The soft opening was June 30th and it was fun!! The owners Jamie and Greg Jones (Father/Daughter Duo) are amazing people. They saw a retail space that was pretty sad/depressing and converted it to a space that has an indoor waterfall, stone/copper features, and a theme that is very Luigi's Restaurant meets Potterybarn! Jamie took charge like a heroine in a romance novel! She decided this was the spot, hurdled obstacles (the space needed some TLC, old equipment, and your basic new restaurant budget), and created beauty. She has assembled a small army of people that are there to ensure your evening is fun and something different!

WHICH - brings me to my point!! (Since I do not cover all the special spots opening in town) Real estate is funny like that. I helped Jamie/Greg select this spot - we looked at a couple different sites. When she started her search it was in another city and size space. They played with the idea of buying vs leasing. Jamie was going to be a new entrepreneur. They created a plan and made it work - she was more than a dreamer. They were creative in the solutions for their hurdles.

Ok - no more about the "wonders of real estate" speech. Tasty Jones is a fun great spot - go and visit!! If you are thinking about starting a new business, sit down and be realistic about build out, time to occupancy, and the possibility of being in the red for over a year. (Start up/ construction costs) It is a good time to get what you want!!