hhgregg To Enter Mid-Atlantic States
Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 7/8/2009
Indianapolis - hhgregg will enter the Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington markets next year as part of a major expansion into the Mid-Atlantic states.
The chain plans to open up to 45 stores and a distribution center to support the push into large and midsized metropolitan markets there.
The company has begun to execute leases for the new stores, with 18 locations already approved by hhgregg's board, and is currently exploring various financing alternatives, including equity and debt, to fund the growth.
The expansion represents a key leg in the company's plans to become a second national CE and appliance specialty chain, and to fill the void left by Circuit City. President, COO and CEO-elect Dennis May made the company's ambitions clear last month at an investor conference when he noted, "Manufacturers are struggling significantly with profitability and are extremely excited about us becoming a national retailer like the Circuit City of 10 or 15 years ago."
"We have an extraordinary opportunity to gain market share by taking advantage of the current rental rates and excess availability in the real estate market," he said in a statement released this morning. "The combination of our effective operating model, an opportunistic real estate environment, strong partnerships with key vendors, and the availability of talented field-level personnel create a significant opportunity for the company to accelerate its growth while continuing to provide customers with a superior customer purchase experience."
Meanwhile, the company has accelerated its growth plans for the current year, raising its goal of 16 to 18 new stores to between 20 and 22 and targeting the new markets of Richmond, Va. — the former hometown of Circuit City — as well as Memphis and Tampa, Fla. The store openings will be funded from cash from operations and the company's revolving credit facility.
Capital expenditures, net of sale and leaseback proceeds are expected to range between $45 million and $50 million for the current fiscal year, up from previous expectations of $30 million to $35 million. The increase primarily reflects the incremental capital expenditures expected to be incurred this year for the increased number of store openings expected in 2010, the company said.
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I work for them and let me tell you, at the level I am at, we don't see the money. We get houurs cut and no pay raises. I see it everyday. People buying and then returning these expensive items. In investors eyes this "growth" is a great move, to people like me who work the hourly side of the job, we see it differently. This will cut into raises and hours. This will cause them to take from the ones, like me, who have nothing left to give. This company is not all they say they are. This will end badly and I want people to know that I have said it well before the end begins.
jakyl mcsin - 2009-10-7 19:22:13 EDT -
With all due respect, Jim, I disagree with your comment.
Gregg did very well expanding into new markets last year, and seems to know the mechanics of new market penetration. While Consumer Electronics may be a painful market now, 18-20 new stores doesn't seem to be over-expansionist. It looks like an opportunity, which I'm confident HHGregg can use to their advantage.
Jeff Rothbeind - 2009-9-7 00:32:28 EDT -
Another recipe for disaster boys. This is not roaring 2000's any more. We are over stored and the standard of living will be falling for most people now .The principals of HH Greg might be wealthy but not their customers. See you in bankruptcy court just like Circuit in a few years and you can take that to the bank.
jim rogers - 2009-8-7 23:24:23 EDT
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