Displaying items by tag: chapel hill mall

Tuesday, 14 January 2020 10:04

Ray Horner Podcast - 1/14/2020

:19 - The wrath of God came down on the Houston Astros, as Major League Baseball suspended their manager and GM over stealing signs with the use of technology. Ray and Tony talked about the repercussions, though they didn’t see eye-to-eye when it comes to sign stealing in general.

7:34 - The ongoing saga of Chapel Hill Mall continues, as back taxes and utilities keep piling up. So what is the future and how soon will that future become the present? Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro stopped by the studio to discuss the next step.

19:07 - Yesterday, we had Barberton superintendent Jeff Ramnytz on board to talk about some players on the basketball team sitting during the National Anthem. Today, Barberton mayor Bill Judge shared his thoughts during the backlash.

Be sure to follow us on our various social media platforms. Facebook: 1590WAKRakron Instagram: @1590WAKR Twitter: @1590WAKR, @Rayinthemorning, @TonyMazur

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Tuesday, 14 January 2020 10:04

Ray Horner Podcast - 1/14/2020

:19 - The wrath of God came down on the Houston Astros, as Major League Baseball suspended their manager and GM over stealing signs with the use of technology. Ray and Tony talked about the repercussions, though they didn’t see eye-to-eye when it comes to sign stealing in general.

7:34 - The ongoing saga of Chapel Hill Mall continues, as back taxes and utilities keep piling up. So what is the future and how soon will that future become the present? Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro stopped by the studio to discuss the next step.

19:07 - Yesterday, we had Barberton superintendent Jeff Ramnytz on board to talk about some players on the basketball team sitting during the National Anthem. Today, Barberton mayor Bill Judge shared his thoughts during the backlash.

Be sure to follow us on our various social media platforms. Facebook: 1590WAKRakron Instagram: @1590WAKR Twitter: @1590WAKR, @Rayinthemorning, @TonyMazur

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Monday, 06 January 2020 09:08

Ray Horner Podcast - 1/6/2020

:19 - Akron mayor Dan Horrigan was sworn in for his second term over the weekend, and he joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to touch on what’s on his plate. First up, the conundrum at Chapel Hill Mall continues, as do other projects as the mayor kicks off another four years at the helm.

10:37 - How big of an issue is obesity with household pets? A major one, according to veterinarian Dr. Gary Riggs.

18:06 - For the first time in over three decades, vinyl records have outsold CDs. Pretty interesting statistic, considering how expensive vinyl has become.

Be sure to follow us on our various social media platforms. Facebook: 1590WAKRakron Instagram: @1590WAKR Twitter: @1590WAKR, @Rayinthemorning, @TonyMazur

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Wednesday, 21 August 2019 08:43

Ray Horner Podcast - 8/21/2019

:19 - Ray and Tony often walk our area’s malls and they’ve observed the changing of retail. Summit Mall seems to have a better grasp, but according to Tony, Chapel Hill Mall is in deep trouble, with only a third of the mall being occupied.

5:50 - President Trump is mulling over a possible payroll tax cut. Will this help as thoughts of a recession keep popping up? Prism Wealth Management’s Robert Dodaro shares his thoughts.

10:05 - As far as sports popularity goes, football continues to be king, while baseball is only big with the 55 and older crowd. Will younger Americans ever be excited about baseball as it heads towards being a niche sport?

18:19 - The bottled water craze has been big for the last couple of decades, but for how long?

Be sure to follow us on our various social media platforms. Facebook: 1590WAKRakron Instagram: @1590WAKR Twitter: @1590WAKR, @Rayinthemorning, @TonyMazur

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Monday, 08 April 2019 10:00

Ray Horner Podcast - 4/8/2019

:17 - Ray Horner is back from his vacation, and a topic that’s near and dear to the show hosts’ hearts is the future of malls, specifically Chapel Hill Mall in the Akron/Tallmadge/Cuyahoga Falls area. The lights are on today, but what will the future look like?

12:29 - Akron will have a weekend spotlight during the sixth round of the NFL Draft this year, and the eyes of football nation will be on Lock 3 for a pick. Chief of staff James Hardy stopped by the studio to promote this event, along with some questions on the cyber attack and more on Chapel Hill.

23:21 - As always on a Monday morning, veterinarian Dr. Gary Riggs comes by to answer questions on your pets. If you’re interested, Dr. Riggs has offices in Norton and Barberton.

33:32 - Finally, we have our Business of the Week! Today, Alex Randles from Roadrunners Tires was honored. Segment sponsored by HEARINC. and TLC Catering.

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Wednesday, 03 April 2019 08:37

Ray Horner Podcast - 4/3/2019

:17 - Tony Mazur is back and filling in for Ray, who's spring breaking this week with his kids. He began today's podcast talking about the lights possibly going out at Chapel Hill Mall, and the sad future of the facility.

9:05 - Former vice president Joe Biden is in hot water for being a bit of a hugger. But his detractors aren't necessarily Republicans here; it's by his own party, albeit the more progressive wing of the Democrats. Tony and Jeanne discussed the state of politics and the #MeToo movement.

26:15 - The Akron RubberDucks unveiled their new extreme food menu, and it looks and tastes, as the kids say, "amazeballs." Tony brought up some impressive records by competitive eaters, and he says he wants to tackle the Main St. Saloon's 80 oz. steak challenge.

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Wednesday, 14 November 2018 10:46

Ray Horner Podcast - 11/14/2018

:17 - Before prom, a number of students in Wisconsin took a photo where it looked like they gave the camera a Nazi salute. Ray, Jeanne, Steffany, and Tony shared their thoughts on this matter and how parents should approach a situation if one were to come in contact with an individual with radical beliefs.

15:30 - Moving onto some high school football here. Justin Todd is the head football coach at Wadsworth, and his undefeated Grizzlies are set to take on Massillon.

21:47 - Another terrific football program is at Archbishop Hoban. Tim Tyrrell’s Knights keep moving right along, and they will play Shaq Washington's Maple Heights Mustangs this Friday.

26:05 - Long-time coach Jim France from Manchester has his Panthers on a roll, and he previewed his upcoming matchup against Orville.

30:52 - The fires in California rage on, and the devastation is leaving countless people without homes or even towns. Jim McIntyre from the American Red Cross

38:08 - Russ Brode is a lieutenant in the Akron Fire Department, and he talked to Ray and the listeners about the differences between putting out wildfires and regular house and office fires.

45:23 - Finally, Dan Horrigan, the mayor of Akron, called into discuss the continued development in downtown, as well as the uprising of the area’s booming neighborhoods and what will go into the old Rolling Acres land.

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER

Cuyahoga Falls is about to open a new main road while preparing to make major changes to another.

Front Street in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls will open to traffic for the first time on February 3 after decades as a pedestrian mall. Mayor Don Walters says the first vehicles on the new road will be school buses from Cuyahoga Falls and Woodridge followed by a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am and a new Tesla to signify the years the street was closed and re-opened to traffic. A formal grand opening will be held in June.

While it will be easier to get around the Downtown area this year, it will get much more difficult to navigate the Chapel Hill area beginning next year.

Howe Avenue will be completely repaved beginning in April 2019. According to the plan unveiled recently, Howe Ave. will be one-way westbound (toward Route 8) from Main St./Home Ave. to Bucholzer Blvd. until the project is completed in the fall of 2020. That will allow shoppers who want to get to the plazas along Howe to use the entrances along Main/Home. Drivers who need to get to Chapel Hill Mall will need to detour down Main/Home to Independence Ave.

Walters joined The Jasen Sokol Show to talk about both projects and what they mean for Cuyahoga Falls.

Published in Jasen Sokol
Tuesday, 27 June 2017 10:25

Grab And Go Thieves Caught on Camera

Akron Police are asking the public to help identify three suspects who brazenly walked into a Victoria's Secret store and ran off with thousands of dollars worth of clothes. 

The "grab and go" heist happened back on June 4 at Chapel Hill Mall. Surveillance video (below) shows the teens casually walk in the store and then load up with yoga pants, T-shirts, and other clothing items that were on display on a table in the store, and then run out. 

 

Akron Police are asking anyone who may recognize the robbers to contact Detective Rhodaback at 330-375-2490. 

 

Published in Local
Once again, the topic of "dead malls" is at the forefront. More than a decade ago, it was Rolling Acres. This time around, Chapel Hill may be reaching dead mall status.

Dan Horrigan, the new mayor of Akron, joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to discuss the future of Chapel Hill Mall and the surrounding area. Horrigan says he is putting the mall "at the forefront," and touched on security concerns in and around the space.

Published in WAKR RAY HORNER
Monday, 11 January 2016 21:48

AUDIO: What's The Future For Chapel Hill?

Archie the Snowman still stands tall in the Chapel Hill food court, but the mall is melting around him.

Last week, Macy's announced it would close its Chapel Hill location after nearly five decades in business under several now-extinct nameplates. Reports then emerged Friday that Old Navy, Aeropostale, and Express would also be shuttered over the next few weeks.

Sue Walton of Crain's Akron Business believes the future is bleak for Chapel Hill. Anchor stores such as Macy's serve as the big draw for malls, Walton says, and Sears and JCPenney tend to be lesser draws than Macy's. Walton also believes online shopping and low-price stores such as TJ Maxx have hurt business at malls nationwide.

While another Akron-area mall appears to be headed for decline, a retail trend that has yet to rise in Akron is the lifestyle center, which incorporates retail with residences and office space. Walton says centers like Crocker Park and Legacy Village represent shoppers' desire for a destination experience that is new and fresh.

Published in Jasen Sokol
Saturday, 09 January 2016 06:37

More Stores Closing At Chapel Hill Mall

After Macy's announced that it would be closing dozens of stores, including the one at Chapel Hill Mall, three more stores at the shopping mall are saying goodbye.

The Beacon Journal reports Old Navy, Express and Aeropostale will be closing its doors. A sign at the Old Navy store says it will close on Jan. 26. An employee told the newspaper that Express and Aeropostale will be closing, but did not say when.

Earlier this week, Macy's announces it will close 36 stores due to "cost-efficiency measures." Clearance sales at the stores that are scheduled to close will start on Monday, and last "eight to twelve weeks".

On the web: www.ohio.com

Previous Coverage: 

Macy's Closing At Chapel Hill Mall

 

Published in Local
Wednesday, 06 January 2016 17:33

Macy's Closing At Chapel Hill Mall

One area Macy's store will close, one of 40 stores the retailer is shutting down due to "cost-efficency measures".

The department store chain says it'll close the Macy's at Chapel Hill Mall in Akron.

Another Northeast Ohio store, the Macy's at Elyria's Midway Mall, is also shutting down. The company says 91 associates work at Macy's Chapel Hill, and 64 at Midway Mall.

A Macy's release says clearance sales at the stores closing will start on Monday, and last "eight to twelve weeks".

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(Macy's, news release) Macy's, Inc. Outlines Cost Efficiency Initiatives and Lists Store Locations to Be Closed

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2016-- Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) today announced a series of cost-efficiency and process improvement measures to be implemented beginning in early 2016 that will reduce SG&A expense by approximately $400 million while still investing in growth strategies, particularly in omnichannel capabilities at Macy's and Bloomingdale's. The actions represent progress toward the company's previously stated goal of re-attaining over time an EBITDA rate as a percent of sales of 14 percent.

(Editor's Note: Macy's, Inc. this afternoon also issued a separate news release announcing sales results for the November/December 2015 period and updating guidance.)

"In light of our disappointing 2015 sales and earnings performance, we are making adjustments to become more efficient and productive in our operations. Moreover, we believe we can operate more effectively with an organization that is flatter and more agile so we can pursue growth and regain market share in our core Macy's and Bloomingdale's omnichannel businesses faster and with more intensity. We will continue to invest in strategic initiatives that anticipate emerging customer needs and create shareholder value," said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy's, Inc. "The cost efficiencies represent more than two-thirds of our goal of annual SG&A expense reduction of $500 million, net of growth initiatives, from previously planned levels by 2018. In some cases, there will be short-term pain as we tighten our belt and realign our resources. But our eye is on a long-term vision of Macy's, Inc. as a dynamic retailer that serves existing customers and acquires new ones through innovative approaches to the marketplace."

To address the need for greater efficiency and productivity, among the changes being implemented by Macy's, Inc. in early 2016 are:

Consolidating the grouping of existing Macy's stores into five regions and 47 local districts (down from the current structure of seven regions and 58 local districts), as well as other field support functions. This reflects a smaller portfolio of stores and new technologies and techniques for managing the store business and tailoring assortments to local customer preferences.
Adjusting staffing levels at each Macy's and Bloomingdale's store in line with current sales volume to increase productivity and improve efficiency. An average of three to four positions will be affected in each of Macy's and Bloomingdale's approximately 770 going-forward stores (out of an average workforce of approximately 150 associates in each store), for a total of about 3,000 affected associates nationwide. Roughly 50 percent of affected store associates are expected to be placed in other positions.
Implementing a voluntary separation opportunity for about 165 senior executives in Macy's and Bloomingdale's central stores, office and support functions who meet certain age and service requirements and chose to leave the company beginning in spring 2016. Approximately 35 percent of these executive positions will not be replaced.
Reducing an additional 600 positions in back-office organizations by eliminating tasks, simplifying processes and combining positions, with about 150 of these associates reassigned to other positions.
Consolidating the four existing Macy's, Inc. credit and customer services center facilities into three. The call center in St. Louis will be closed in spring 2016, affecting approximately 750 employees. Work currently performed in St. Louis will be divided among existing credit and customer services centers in Tempe, AZ, Clearwater, FL, and Mason, OH, where a total of about 640 positions will be added.
Decreasing non-payroll budgets companywide in areas such as travel, meetings and consulting services.
Real Estate

The company continues to pursue the creation of shareholder value through real estate initiatives originally announced on Nov. 11, 2015, and provides the following updates:

Eastdil Secured, a leading real estate-focused investment bank, has been engaged by Macy's, Inc. to approach potential interested parties, with assistance from Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs, regarding forming partnerships or joint venture(s) for the company's mall-based properties, as well as Macy's flagship real estate assets in Manhattan, San Francisco, Chicago and Minneapolis. Eastdil joins a team of experienced advisors in banking, real estate, law and tax who are focused on monetizing real estate assets in a manner consistent with Macy's overall strategy. Tishman Speyer has expressed interest in pursuing partnerships on the four flagship locations and, thus, will not be advising the company on those properties. Tishman Speyer will, however, continue to advise Macy's on potential opportunities for maximizing the value of other real estate in the company's portfolio.
The company has begun a search for a senior-level real estate executive to join the company to oversee and manage real estate activities, including the leadership of any partnerships or joint ventures.
Store Closings/Openings

The company today listed 40 Macy's store closings (out of a current total of about 770 Macy's stores). Of the 40, 36 will be closed in early spring 2016, consistent with its announcement in September 2015. The other four stores were closed in the final three quarters of 2015, as previously announced. (A list of planned store closings, as well as openings, is included at the end of this news release.)

"Our company is committed to operating great Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores in the best locations – both to serve shoppers who walk through the door and to fulfill orders that are shipped directly to customers around the country," Lundgren said. "In today's rapidly evolving retail environment, it is essential that we maintain a portfolio of the right stores in the right places. So we will continue to add stores selectively while also being disciplined about closing stores that are unproductive or no longer robust shopping destinations because of changes in the local retail shopping landscape."

The 36 Macy's stores being closed in early 2016, along with four others closed in the final three quarters of 2015, account for approximately $375 million in annual sales, some of which are expected to be retained in nearby stores and with online/mobile sales.

The company is committed to treating associates affected by store closings with respect and openness. Associates displaced by store closings may be offered positions in nearby stores where possible. Eligible full-time and part-time associates who are laid off due to the store closings will be offered severance benefits.

Financial Impact

The implementation of cost reductions is estimated to generate annual SG&A savings of approximately $400 million, beginning in 2016. This will help the company to achieve modest improvement in its EBITDA rate (as a percent to sales) in 2016 compared with 2015 excluding gains from the expected sale of real estate in Brooklyn – while still investing in growth strategies, particularly in omnichannel capability at Macy's and Bloomingdale's.

In conjunction with today's announcements, as well as incremental asset impairment charges related to store closings, approximately $200 million of charges, of which approximately $165 million is expected to be cash, are expected to be booked in the fourth quarter of 2015. These charges were not previously included in earnings guidance provided by the company and are in addition to the $111 million, or 20 cents per share, booked in the third quarter as an estimate of asset impairment charges related to 2016 store closings.

Macy's, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's premier retailers, with fiscal 2014 sales of $28.015 billion. The company operates about 900 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's Outlet, Macy's Backstage and Bluemercury, as well as the macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com websites. Bloomingdale's in Dubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.

All statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Macy's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this release because of a variety of factors, including conditions to, or changes in the timing of, proposed store closings, store openings or other transactions, changes in the conditions of the securities markets, particularly the markets for debt securities and other factors identified in documents filed by Macy's with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(NOTE: Additional information on Macy's, Inc., including past news releases, is available at www.macysinc.com/pressroom).

Macy's Store Closings

Final clearance sales at the following Macy's stores closing in early 2016 will begin on Monday, Jan. 11 and run for between eight to 12 weeks (with the exception of Westfield Century City, North DeKalb Mall and Roseburg Valley Mall, where final clearance sales are already in progress):

Irvine Spectrum, Irvine, CA (140,000 square feet; opened in 2002; 112 associates);
Country Club Plaza, Sacramento, CA (165,000 square feet; opened in 1961; 111 associates);
Westfield Century City, Los Angeles, CA (136,000 square feet; opened in 1976; 108 associates). Note that this store will be closed in January 2016 and replaced with a new, larger store to open in this same shopping center in spring 2017;
Enfield Square main store, Enfield, CT (166,000 square feet; opened in 1971; 84 associates);
Enfield Square furniture/home/men's store, Enfield, CT (76,000 square feet; opened in 1971; 20 associates);
North DeKalb Mall, Decatur, GA (190,000 square feet; opened in 1965; 89 associates);
Kailua, HI (59,000 square feet; opened in 1946; 57 associates);
Palouse Mall, Moscow, ID (41,000 square feet; opened in 1979; 47 associates);
Northwoods Mall, Peoria, IL (165,000 square feet; opened in 1985; 62 associates);
Cortana Mall, Baton Rouge, LA (243,000 square feet; opened in 1976; 108 associates);
Valley Mall, Hagerstown, MD (120,000 square feet; opened in 1999; 59 associates);
Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough, MA (111,000 square feet; opened in 1994; 58 associates);
Eastfield Mall, Springfield, MA (127,000 square feet; opened in 1994; 71 associates);
The Shoppes at Stadium, Columbia, MO (140,000 square feet; opened in 2003; 81 associates);
Middlesex Mall, South Plainfield, NJ (81,000 square feet; opened in 1976; 69 associates);
McKinley Mall main store, Buffalo, NY (88,000 square feet; opened in 1989; 65 associates);
McKinley Mall home store, Buffalo, NY (31,000 Square feet; opened in 1989; 10 associates);
Arnot Mall, Horsehead, NY (120,000 square feet; opened in 1995; 79 associates);
Hudson Valley Mall, Kingston, NY (121,000 square feet; opened in 1995; 72 associates);
Eastern Hills Mall, Williamsville, NY (127,000 square feet; opened in 1971; 80 associates);
Cary Towne Center, Cary, NC (107,000 square feet; opened in 1991; 63 associates);
Chapel Hill Mall, Akron, OH (169,000 square feet; opened in 1967; 91 associates);
Midway Mall, Elyria, OH (105,000 square feet; opened in 1990; 64 associates);
Quail Springs Mall, Oklahoma City, OK (146,000 square feet; opened in 1986; 87 associates);
Pony Village Mall, North Bend, OR (41,000 square feet; opened in 1980; 54 associates);
Roseburg Valley Mall, Roseburg, OR (40,000 square feet; opened in 1980; 59 associates);
Suburban Square, Ardmore, PA (102,000 square feet; opened in 1930; 74 associates);
Century III Mall, West Mifflin, PA (173,000 square feet; opened in 1979; 101 associates);
Ridgmar Mall, Ft. Worth, TX (181,000 square feet; opened in 1998; 92 associates);
Chesapeake Square, Chesapeake, VA (95,000 square feet; opened in 1999; 69 associates);
Virginia Center Commons, Glen Allen, VA (110,000 square feet; opened in 1993; 81 associates);
Peninsula Town Center, Hampton, VA (173,000 square feet; opened in 1977; 109 associates);
Military Circle Mall, Norfolk, VA (153,000 square feet; opened in 1976; 95 associates);
Regency Square main store, Richmond, VA (100,000 square feet; opened in 1990; 100 associates);
Regency Square furniture/home/men's store, Richmond, VA (124,000 square feet; opened in 1990; 35 associates);
Downtown Spokane, Spokane, WA (374,000 square feet; opened in 1947; 94 associates).

Macy's stores closed in the final three quarters of 2015 (previously announced):

Owings Mills Mall, Owings Mills, MD (164,000 square feet; opened in 1986; 90 associates);
Bedford, NH (180,000 square feet; opened in 1966; 105 associates);
Essex Green Shopping Center, West Orange, NJ (93,000 square feet; opened in 1975; 101 associates). Note that this location was converted to a Macy's Backstage store.
Downtown Pittsburgh, PA (1,158,000 square feet; opened in 1946; 170 associates).

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