Al Harris

Richmonders loosen the purse strings

For the most part, Richmond shoppers aren’t pinching pennies as tightly as they used to. And they’re spending more on new clothing and eating out.

Monday Q&A: Paying for news

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is partnering with Google to try to boost revenue. This week an exec from the Times-Dispatch chats with RBS about the plan.

SBA extends help to property owners

In a bid to help stave off the harmful effects of a possible rise in commercial real estate foreclosures, the Small Business Administration unveiled a new program yesterday extending loan guarantees for refinancing commercial mortgages. BizSense recently covered the potential hardships some property owners could face as their commercial mortgages come due this year. “The… Read more »

Credit, Debit or Tendr.me?

A new local startup hopes to cash in on making it easier and cheaper for people to exchange money online.

Pipeline: Commercial Real Estate Round Up for 2.18.11

Ross leased 32,302 square feet at The Creeks at Virginia Center and Personal Chef to Go leased 6,843 square feet in Mechanicsville. Extra Special Parents, Inc. leased 4,900 square feet in Chesterfield. Plus a few multi-million dollar sales.

West Broad Borders on closing list

Books and music store Borders filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy Wednesday, announcing that it planned to close a third of its stores across the country. The list of 200 closures includes the chain’s 25,000-square-foot store at 9750 W. Broad St. That location is the retailer’s only Borders in Richmond. Several more stores will close throughout the… Read more »

Forecast for how local CMBS loans will play out: hazy

The delinquency rate for commercial real estate loans is climbing in Richmond. That could mean more distressed property will hit the market this year as lenders get tougher on borrowers. And that, in turn, could mean a few more bargain-basement prices for investors willing to bet on a recovery.

Startup aims to give caregivers a lift

Two former First Market Bank executives have launched a web-based business aimed at consumers who care for aging relatives.