Ukrop’s is again in the headlines for a possible sale. And like last time, it’s because a grocery industry website ran a blurb about a possible sale. Local investment bankers and professionals are wondering: Where are the leaks?
Retail
Local glove company swings into the majors
When Atlanta Brave Vladimir Núñez stepped to the plate last summer, it was the closest Pete Vinci had ever been to the majors. Vinci and his son run a baseball mitt company based in Richmond. The company launched in 1997 and now has more than 65 types of products. And several other major leaguers have recently taken the field with Vinci gear.
Reshaping the retail landscape
Frugal is the new black in Richmond. Total taxable sales during the second quarter totaled $2.64 billion for Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield combined, or 4 percent less the same quarter in 2008. But some local industries are doing better than last year.
Be aggressive. B-E aggressive.
The mood at the annual Retail Merchant’s Expo was upbeat Tuesday. And the vendors, who sell their wares and services to retailers, almost unanimously agreed that to stay in business these days, companies have to be more aggressive in finding sales leads.
New retailer swoops in to fill Circuit City void
A major electronics retailer is opening multiple stores in Richmond, possibly taking over some locations left behind by Circuit City.
Asking for change in response to panhandling
Local businesses, in particular retailers, say panhandlers scare off customers, even if there is no threat to safety. And a growing homeless population can also be a blemish for economic developers trying to show off the region. To combat the problem, the nonprofit group Homeward launched a three-month campaign Monday to remind residents that handing over spare change might not be the best way to help.
Former Plan 9 manager spins own record shop
After working at Plan 9 for 16 years, Jay Leavitt decided it was time to start his own record shop, which opened on Wed in a 325-square-foot spot on Robinson St. in the Fan. Leavitt said he has noticed the resurgence of vinyl over the past three to five years.
Comic book dealer’s secret hideout
Surrounded by hundreds of thousands of comic books, Brett Carreras shows the crown jewel of his inventory. The restored copy of Batman No. 1, the first appearance of the Joker, is protected by a hard plastic case (Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27).
Layoff protection plans: Marketing gold?
At first, Danny Fisher wasn’t a fan of Hyundai’s new marketing campaign for “Total Assurance,” which would let a customer who had lost a job return a new car. Fisher, the general sales manager at West Broad Hyundai, said he didn’t think it would drive shoppers into the dealership. That was in January. He has… Read more »
Working like a dog: Richmond startup shows off its tricks
Man’s best friend is a loyal and lucrative customer for a Richmond startup. Best Bully’s has quickly grown as a web-only retailer of organic dog treats. The company sells more than $1 million a year in products (and less than $5 million) and will expand soon from 2,500 square feet to 8,500 square feet on… Read more »