www.spotsndots.com Subscriptions: $350 per year. This publication cannot be distributed beyond the office of the actual subscriber. Need us? 888-884-2630 or [email protected] The Daily News of TV Sales Monday, March 13, 2017 Copyright 2017. MALLS GET CREATIVE TO FILL SPACE SUPERMARKETS AS ANCHORS? ADVERTISER NEWS In just the past week we’ve reported on numerous store Gander Mountain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy closing and bankruptcies. Hhgregg is closing 88 stores. protection on Friday evening, hoping for a “going concern” Stage Stores closed 37 stores. Vanity Shop is going out bid to sell the company to an owner that will keep the of business and there are rumors about Payless Shoes. chain in operation. It will close 32 stores of the current 162 Radio Shack is headed back to bankruptcy, Gander locations ahead of that sale It’s certainly not a surprise Mountain filed bankruptcy on Friday, and Gordman’s filed when Sears Holdings Corp. announces bad quarterly today. results, but a 17% decline in total sales for the holiday Meanwhile, malls have been faced with hundreds of quarter was a big number even by recent standards for closings from Sears, Macy’s and Kohl’s, with J.C. Penney that company. While a reduced store base accounted for also announcing a round of closings. Plus many of the some of the decline, same-store sales were down 8% at smaller chains almost exclusively in malls Kmart and 12.3% at Sears stores. One are either closing underperforming units or retail analyst called the results “dire” going completely out of business. and said “Not only are sales down but Dow Jones Newswires is reporting that the pace of the decline has accelerated mall owners are now “eagerly” courting a sharply”……There’s a specialty retailer retail segment they ignored in the past— that’s on the absolute opposite end of supermarkets—and some of the biggest the success spectrum from Sears—Ulta food retailers are willing to try the idea. Beauty, considered by some analysts as Wegmans will open in a former Penney one of the hottest retailers in the country. store in Massachusetts next year, while Kroger is taking over In its latest quarter, Ulta registered a 16.6% same-store a former Macy’s in Ohio, and a 365 by Whole Foods Market increase (including online sales) on 10.9% growth in will open in the mall in the college town of Bloomington, transactions and a 5.7% bump in the average ticket. The Indiana. growing chain expects to add a net of 100 more stores Dow Jones says the goal for landlords is to provide this year—it had 974 in operation at the end of the fourth destinations for visitors to get a vast array of items and, quarter.…West Coast warehouse-style retailer Smart ideally, visit multiple times a week. The CEO of the & Final had a 2% comp store decline in the quarter International Council of Shopping Centers commented that ended on 1/1, coming from a small (0.2%) decline “Consumers, particularly millennials, are placing a high in transactions and a 2.2% drop in average ticket. The priority on experiences while also valuing convenience. As chain had previously talked about cannibalization of sales a result…we are seeing more restaurants, movie theaters, at previously-existing stores after converting a group of health clubs and grocery stores serve as anchors.” Haggen stores it had taken over, but it sees the problems It’s not a brand new idea—some malls have brought in from that cannibalization moderating……Nation’s supers in the past, but the trend is clearly accelerating and Restaurant News reports Chipotle will close down the higher-end grocers are now looking at malls for expansion. 15-unit ShopHouse Asian Kitchen chain later this week It’s also a way for the mall owners to increase rents for after having said the concept did not generate enough the space—in the past department stores that had been revenue to justify additional investments. Chipotle still considered crowd-attracting “anchors” were offered very has two other concepts in test, Pizzeria Locale, currently attractive rents to bring them into the malls. But the idea can with seven locations, and Tasty Made, a burger-oriented also be a “win” for the supermarket, moving into an already- restaurant which opened its pilot store in October last constructed large space with parking nearby rather than fall……(Continued on page 3) paying for a new building. While the malls would love to see the traffic attracted by supermarkets spread throughout the mall, it’s not clear that food shoppers would also go to other stores. An exec at a real- estate services firm said, “The addition of a grocery anchor is not necessarily complementary to the other stores, particular fashion retailers.” And the head of another firm said, “You’re not going to buy a Louis Vuitton bag or a dress when you’re carrying your groceries.” NETWORK NEWS AVAILS Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother) will play the head You arrived at work today not realizing that the best of a drama department in the new NBC pilot Drama High. FOX affiliate in the country is looking to hirea Local Radnor’s character is based on real-life drama teacher Sales Manager. KVVU FOX5 in Las Vegas (where the Lou Volpe, a passionate teacher and family man whose sun always shines and entertainment dedication to his students and his program galvanizes never ends) is searching for a leader the entire town. Drama High is based on the book of the who brings a desire to train individuals, same name by Michael Sokolove……Fox has announced generate creative ideas to develop the premiere date for its latest reality series called You new business and grow key accounts. the Jury. The series is described as a bit like American Las Vegas is a bright city and KVVU FOX5 employs only Idol and Judge Judy. Each week, the show’s prosecution the brightest stars. If you want to shine, please apply online and defense teams will cross-examine by going to http://www.meredith.com/ litigants and expert witnesses as they Many years after dropping out viewjobopenings. Meredith Corporation present their arguments to former judge of Harvard, Facebook founder is an Equal Opportunity Employer of the Superior Court of California Mark Zuckerberg is going back WKRN News 2, the ABC affiliate in LaDoris Cordell. Viewers will have the to get an honorary degree. Nashville, TN and a Nexstar station, opportunity to vote on the verdict. The Zuckerberg said he would have is currently seeking a Dynamic and verdict is 100% live and binding and gone back sooner, but even he passionate Local Sales Manager to will reflect the decision of the American can’t afford college these days. lead our local efforts. The LSM will people. You the Jury will be hosted by be involved in all aspects of the sales , Fox News Channel’s Jeanine Pirro Conan O’Brien operation, including overall budget and and will debut on Fox Friday, April market share performance, accurate 7th……. Steve Zahn will play the male forecasting, inventory control and lead opposite Sandrine Holt in the ABC drama pilot The team development. The successful candidate will be a Crossing. The pilot revolves around refugees from a war- motivational leader with a clear focus on new business torn country who start showing up to seek asylum in an and digital revenue development. Qualified candidates American town. But the country they are from is America, should apply at www.wkrn.com. EOE/M/F/V/D - No calls and the war they are fleeing is 250 years in the future. Zahn please! will play the local sheriff with a past. Rob Campbell is also WSVN-7 FOX/Miami-Ft. Lauderdale is looking for a in the cast playing a mysterious and cerebral member of dynamic individual for an Account Executive position. the group of survivors……Lorenz Tate (Game of Silence, Need to have the ability to thrive in a fast paced, House of Cards) has been cast as the male lead in the competitive, multi-media environment. We are looking for ABC drama pilot Salamander. Tate’s character is Ethan, a a creative person to generate revenue by prospecting and brilliant but misanthropic engineer, who recruits a skeptical selling for television and a variety of digital opportunities. Homeland Security psychiatrist, played by Allison Miller, to Responsible for attracting new clients, proposal track down a mysterious bank robber that targets 66 specific preparation and presentations as well as maximizing safety deposit boxes belonging to the elite and powerful…… revenue on existing account list. Please send resume to Telemundo has picked up another affiliate. The Spanish- Kim Witker at [email protected]. EOE. language network will air on channel 9.2 in Charlotte, NC. ABC6 in Providence, Rhode Island is looking for a The channel is owned by WSOC, the Cox-owned ABC sales professional with sales experience to join this affiliate in the market. A launch date is still pending since growing ABC affiliate as an Account the station needs to conduct detailed research on the Executive. We need an enthusiastic, needs and interest of Charlotte-area Hispanics. It will be the accountable individual to work with first time that Telemundo programming, like their popular local and regional clients– at the agency telenovelas and World Cup Soccer, will be available to the and local levels. This position is a great market’s Hispanic population free over-the-air. The report opportunity for someone looking for a in The Charlotte Observer said that WSOC is looking to move into a top 60 market. Please send develop a Spanish newscast for the channel. resume to [email protected]. No calls please. WLNE- TV/ABC6 is and equal opportunity employer. AD CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS TRUMP AGENDA HOI-ABC in Peoria, Illinois seeks a dynamic Local A pro-President Trump advocacy group, Great American Sales Manager. Are you ready to lead an aggressive team Alliance, is launching an ad campaign aimed at getting instead of generating reports and spreadsheets? Are you support for the President’s agenda in the U.S. Senate. ready to work with broadcasters who respect the station as Inside Radio reports that the ad, entitled Promises, more than an ATM? Are you ready to coach a team to make highlights broken promises of former presidents in contrast recommendations based on client needs rather than Wall with the group’s view that President Trump is committed to Street dictates? If these ideas appeal to you, we’re ready to keeping promises he made on the campaign trail. The TV talk to you! Send your cover letter, resume and references and radio campaign will run in seven states that were strong to: Pete Russell, GSM: [email protected]. EOE. supporters of Trump as a candidate—Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Florida and Ohio. Need to place a job in Spots n Dots? Do it ONLINE The goal is to persuade Democratic Senators in those states HERE, or send your listing to [email protected] to support the President’s agenda in the future. 3/13/2017

The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com PAGE 2 ECONOMIC RATINGS ADVERTISER NEWS (Continued from page 1) The Labor Department reported non-farm job growth ....As part of its disappointing fourth quarter results, Signet of 235,000 in February, exceeding most forecasters’ Jewelers said it will close 165-170 stores this year (although expectations, along with a dip in the unemployment rate it will open 90-115 in other locations). Stores to be closed to 4.7%. Average hourly earnings were also up by 2.8% will be mall-based regional brands..…Here’s yet another versus a year ago, suggesting that more people are working teen-oriented mall-based store that’s producing poor sales and have more discretionary income to spend. One of the results: The Buckle, operating 467 stores in 44 states, had hottest segments for jobs currently is construction, which same-store sales fall by 16.1% in its fiscal fourth quarter, added 58,000 jobs in February after having added 40,000 finishing a fiscal year in which comps fell 13.5% andnet in January. The retail segment lost 26,000 jobs, perhaps sales were down 12.9% Opposite many other retailers, a result of all the store closings we’ve been reporting on. however, Buckle’s CEO was eager to point out the company has $264 million in cash and investments BUSINESS BYTES on hand with no debt……Hibbett Sports The CEO of Bojangles said his comps were down 2.2% in the fourth chain’s business had fallen off a ledge People think I’m a good quarter, although it was able to finish the in February, and that may accurately listener but I’m really just year with a slight gain of 0.2%. The chain describe the entire industry. Nation’s solid at nodding. added a net of 34 new stores during the Restaurant News says the Restaurant past year and expanded eight others. Industry Snapshot for the month found same-store sales down 3.7% DONE DEALS with traffic off by an alarming 5.0%, Kyle King has been promoted to VP/ one of the weakest months in the last FunnyTweeter.com GM of Nexstar’s KARK-TV (NBC), KARZ- four years. Some observers blame TV (MyNetwork) and digital services, the delay in income tax refunds that we’ve already in Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR (DMA #57). King will also reported on, others see rising inflation and with lower oversee Nexstar’s relationship with Mission Broadcasting’s food prices at supermarkets as a significant factor…… KLRT-TV (FOX) and KASN-TV (CW) under The Transportation Department reported 53.2 million a joint operating agreement. King comes to vehicles were recalled last year, up from the previous AR from Odessa-Midland, TX (DMA #143). record of 51.1 million that had been set in 2015. There In conjunction, Nexstar names Michael were a total of 917 recalls from all manufacturers during Lee (pictured) VP/GM of KMID-TV (ABC) in the year, also a new record, and with the Takata airbag Odessa-Midland, replacing King. Lee most situation still far from complete resolution, the number of recently served as VP and General Manager upcoming recalls is expected to stay high. As we have of KXXV-TV (ABC), KXXV-DT2 (Telemundo) and Weather reported in the past, though, there is some evidence that Now in Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX..... Gray Television has dealerships have an opportunity for new sales when a announced four promotions. Susan Ramsett is now the GM customer brings his recalled vehicle in for repairs as some of KWQC (NBC) in Davenport, Iowa (DMA 101). customers inspect new vehicles on the sales floor while Shannon Booth (left) succeeds Sue as the waiting for the recalled vehicle to be fixed……We’ve talked General Manager of Gray’s television stations a lot about deflation in food prices at the supermarket in in Lincoln (DMA 105) and North Platte (DMA the past year, and Progressive Grocer is reporting a study 209). In Marquette, Michigan (DMA 180), Rick done by Price-Trak found that manufacturers’ Consumer Rhoades will become the General Manager of Package Goods list prices were down an overall 1.6% last WLUC (NBC/FOX) on April 1 upon the retirement year. The refrigerated and frozen segments were the areas of Rob Jamros, who has led WLUC TV6/FOX UP for the past where prices fell the most, 5.4% and 8% respectively, and 27 years. And in Parkersburg, West Virginia (DMA 194), Ken much of that was due to lower meat prices. Eggs also Long is now the General Manager of WTAP (NBC), WIYE showed a big drop. Beverages showed a small increase (CBS) and WOVA (FOX). of 2.2% while household items were up 1.4%. ROKU IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE STREAMING PLAYER HOMEOWNERS SATISFIED CordCutterNews.com recently reported on a survey The 2017 Property Claims Satisfaction Study from by Tivo’s research arm about the most popular streaming J.D. Power finds that customer satisfaction among players, and it says that gaming consoles are the most homeowners needing to file claims has reached an all- popular way viewers are watching content. Wi-Fi enabled time high, despite a 10-year high in catastrophic events Blu-ray players coming in second. Roku is the most popular last year that usually produce lower scores. Power notes set-top streaming media player with 15.1% of the market. the satisfaction level among homeowners has now come Apple TV is next with 11.7%, followed by Chromecast at into line with similar levels for auto insurance. There are 11.2%, and Fire TV at 8.3%. The report also showed that many companies that sell homeowners insurance, but if you are a streaming media owner you are far more likely Amica Mutual and The Hanover tie for top-ranked. Major to plan to cancel cable TV. 9.4% of Americans who own a names above the industry average include Nationwide, streaming media player plan to ditch pay TV. Only 5.3% of MetLife, The Hartford, Allstate, Farmers and State Farm, Americans who do not own a streaming media player plan while some below the average include Liberty Mutual and to cut pay TV. Travelers, as well as some plans branded by Auto Clubs. 3/13/2017

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