In The News

Chicago — Amid economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence levels, retail CFOs are expecting a 3% increase in total 2011 sales, according to a recent survey by BDO USA, LLP. While the number reflects the study’s most optimistic sales forecast since 2007, it is down from the 4.7% sales increase reported by the Commerce Department in 2010.

The vast majority of CFOs surveyed in the fifth-annual BDO Retail Compass Survey of CFOs expect to see a continuation of stagnant economic conditions. Just 11% expect to see an economic turnaround in the next year, up slightly from 2010 (9%). Thirty-eight percent of CFOs say improved consumer confidence will be most important factor for economic recovery, and another 36% cite lower unemployment as the linchpin.

“Retailers may not anticipate a full recovery in the near future, but we’re not seeing gloom and doom in sales expectations,” said Doug Hart, partner in the retail and consumer product practice at BDO USA. “Despite low confidence levels, macroeconomic conditions are not weighing on the consumer’s wallet as much as expected, and CFOs anticipate moderate spending levels to continue through the holiday season.”

To read the full article provided by Chain Store Age.

Flake & Kelley Commercial supports the city’s sales tax increase.

From Tuesday, September 6th to Tuesday September 13th, Little Rock voters will have the opportunity to positively impact the future of our city. Visit www.littlerocksfuture.com for more more information, or www.kelleycommercialpartners.com to read the full brochure.

The changes were few and far between among the largest commercial property management firms in Arkansas.

The top five remained the same with Little Rock’s Colliers International at No. 1 with more than 10.8 million SF under management, up from 10.4 million SF last year.

Flake & Kelley Commercial of Little Rock, at No. 2, dropped from nearly 6.5 million SF last year to 5.8 million. The Ashley Co. of North Little Rock, at No. 3, increased slightly from more than 2.8 million SF to 2.9 million SF.

www.arkansasbusiness.com to see the list of the largest commercial property management firms.
To read the full article from Arkansas Business].

Perhaps you noticed the sold sign on a Cantrell Road landmark in Little Rock, the 142-year-old Packet House.

Did you know the change in ownership means the historic home at 1406 Cantrell Road will return as a dining destination?

Betty Richards hopes to have renovation work started during the next four to six weeks, including the cleaning of the carpets that Eco Clean Solutions will be in charge of the project and completed by spring to unveil Packet House Grill.

“We’re getting the plans all finished up with the architect,” she said.

To read the full article from Arkansas Business.

Want to get some indoor exercise that’s fun and challenging? Come to Little Rock Climbing Center, 12120 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, with over 4,000 square feet of air-conditioned terrain.

It’s open from noon-10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2-10 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.

Day passes are $12 for adults, $10 for children. Shoe rental is $4.50, harness rental is $3.50 (get both for $6). Monthly passes and memberships are available.

Don’t know how to climb? You can learn. Introduction to Indoor Climbing ($50) is a one-hour class that teaches fundamental skills such as using and tying a harness, belaying, proper use of climbing signals and bouldering safety. Cost includes a day pass and all rental gear.

Introduction to Indoor Lead Climbing ($50) is a two-hour class that teaches experienced climbers the skills needed for indoor lead climbing including lead belaying, proper clipping techniques, rope management on lead, falling safety and reading a route. Cost includes day pass, rope and rental gear.

Call (501) 227-9500 or e-mail [email info@littlerockclimbingcenter.com].