Wilmington has two of six 'Hot Retailers'

by Judy Royal
StarNews Online June 3, 2010

Some think Southeastern North Carolina often lags behind other cities in getting the "cool stores," but recent honors suggest otherwise.

Two of the six recently named 2010 "Hot Retailer" award winners from the International Council of Shopping Centers, a global trade association, have a presence in Wilmington. The recognition stems from a survey of ICSC's members and is meant to recognize innovative retail concepts that drive consumers into shopping centers around the world.

Edible Arrangements, known for its fresh fruit bouquets and located at The Galleria, 6766 Wrightsville Ave., and Flip Flop Shops, which recently opened in Independence Mall, were among this year's honorees. Other winners were Charming Charlie, Sunflower Farmers Market, Too Hotties and Best Buy Express.

"As the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, Edible Arrangements experienced strong growth in 2009 with the opening of 74 new stores and franchise agreements for more than 85 locations in the U.S. and internationally," according to an ICSC press release. "In addition, development agreements have been signed with new and existing franchisees for the opening of more than 85 stores in the U.S., Rome, Hong Kong and Turkey."

As for Flip Flop Shops: "Founded in 2004, the company is experiencing robust growth through franchising, a program initiated in January 2008. With 14 shops currently operating and 40 more in development, the company plans to open 236 shops by 2013," according to the press release.

This is the eighth year the ICSC has presented the "Hot Retailer" awards. Previous winners include J.Crew, White House│Black Market, Williams-Sonoma, Victoria's Secret, Chico's, American Eagle Outfitters and Ulta.

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