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Mall executives see some bright spots

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By MICHAEL SASSO

THE TAMPA TRIBUNE

Published: February 20, 2009

TAMPA - Some bright spots punctuated the gallows humor at a recent convention of shopping center executives: A few pizza restaurants, dental practices and discount retailers are expanding aggressively on the Suncoast.

Those with plans to grow took the spotlight during the gathering of shopping center owners, retail real estate brokers and retailers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Rocky Point.

The sponsor was the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Some companies will be new to the area: Red Elephant Pizza and Grill and Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza, each with leaders who had worked with Tampa-based Outback Steakhouse or its affiliates; and Aspen Dental, based in Syracuse, N.Y.

Also on the expansion list are familiar names: German deep-discount grocer Aldi; specialty grocer The Fresh Market, which expects to open nine stores in the South this year; Amscot Financial; TJX Cos., which operates Marshalls and TJ Maxx; and Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, with three local stores and plans for at least five more.

Speakers tried to put the best spin on the state of an industry that by most measures is struggling as retailers such as Circuit City, Linens 'n Things, Sharper Image and Bennigan's have closed and left massive holes in strip malls.

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