A new Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has opened in Arcadia. It is owned by Tesco, a British food giant. Tesco's labor practices have come under fire for relying on part-time workers, which may limit the ability of workers to earn a living wage.
A federal judge overturned several charges in the case of Arcadia man George Torres, 52, accused of running his Numero Uno grocery store chain in Los Angeles like an organized crime ring. He had been convicted of racketeering charges, solicitation of murder and multiple tax and fraud charges when prosecutors came forward with new evidence that appeared to exonerate him on the more serious charges. Torres was released from federal custody after being held without bail for two years.
The Westfield Group will acquire 15 department stores which are owned by Federated Department Stores, Inc., including stores in Arcadia and West Covina. Robinsons-May in Arcadia and Macy's in West Covina will become property of Westfield and converted for other uses.
Safeway shares rose 10% but analysts question the future. Arcadia-based Vons/Pavilions, which is owned by Safeway, faces a tough food environment and the many problems confronting the economy.
British food giant Tesco is going to open Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Markets in West Covina and Arcadia on November 8, 2007. Fresh and Easy stores are relatively small and lean heavily on fresh food offerings, including prepared meals and sushi.
Westfield Santa Anita celebrated the opening of The Promenade, its $120 million open-air expansion of 30 stores. The 115,000 square foot addition was built on the former parking area adjacent to Nordstrom and Macy's. The 30 new stores, including Coach, J. Jill, Banana Republic and other upscale retailers, are set among landscaped walkways featuring fountains, seating areas, and shade trees.
Kohl's has opened a new department store at Rosemead Boulevard and Huntington Drive, in unincorporated county area between Arcadia and San Marino. It will create 150-200 jobs for the area. Yvonne Barnes of Arcadia is pictured.
H & M, a fashion retailer, will open a store at Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita on December 14, 2006. The store will have fashions for men, women, teens, and lingerie.
Arcadia Assistance League's Bargain Box thrift store re-opens after a major $35,000 revamp including new display fixtures, carpeting, and an interior and exterior paint job. The opening celebration, starting at 3pm tomorrow, marks the 40th anniversary of Operation School Bell, a program that provides clothing to needy children. The Assistance League has 100 members and bought the store at 64 E. Live Oak Avenue in 1982.
Last winter's 4 1/2 month strike had a devastating impact on Safeway Inc., parent company of Vons/Pavilion headquartered in Arcadia. First quarter profits fell 73.5 % to $43.1 million from $162.6 million during the same quarter for the prior year.
Macy's will relaunch at more than 800 sites nationwide, after parent company Federated Department Stores acquired May Department Stores in August 2005. The Robinsons-May in Arcadia became property of the Westfield Group and plans for the site have not been announced.
Macy's and Robinsons-May will merge in an $11 billion deal that will reshape the southland retail landscape. The Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita currently has both stores.
A U.S. District judge overturned convictions for bribery, mail, wire and tax fraud and harboring illegal immigrants, against George Torres, 52, of Arcadia, the former owner of Numero Uno supermarket chain. The judge threw out the more serious convictions for racketeering, conspiracy and solicitation of murder, back in June. Torres has been set free after 2 years in custody.
The Victoria's Secret store in the Westfield Santa Anita Shoppingtown has been hit by thieves in recent months. $3,000 in merchandise was stolen in the past month. Thieves accounted for roughly $150,000 in losses last year alone.
H&M, the Swedish chain store, had its grand opening in Old Pasadena. Later in November, a 17,000 square foot H&M will open in Arcadia's Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita.