Retail

SAN DIEGO-One of the city's largest private employers, and one of the nation's largest computer makers will lay off up to 25% of its work force and refocus its business.

BURLINGTON, WA-As the retail hub of Skagit County, the small northwest Washington town of Burlington between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. is prospering. It is attracting new developments of all types in ever-increasing numbers--and traffic problems that mimic urban snarl.

MESA, AZ-A trio of investors has sold its 19,200-sf retail center at the corner of Broadway and Dobson roads in Mesa. A Tempe-based investor puts up about $1.5 million or in excess of $75.50 per sf for the 96%-occupied holding.

LONDON-Cheapside, the prime retail pitch in the City of London, could be set for a surge in rental values according to a new survey from agent Churston Heard and economic analysts Business Strategies.

SPOKANE, WA-Avista Corp. intends to ask regulators in Washington and Idaho to OK an energy surcharge to electricity customers in both states. The surcharge is intended to offset the costs of a severe shortage of hydropower generation and volatile energy market prices.

GEORGETOWN, TX-Developer Greg Hall is courting prospective retailers nationwide for about 113 acres that he has just bought in Georgetown. A NorthMarq Capital VP, who handled a $4.3-million transaction for the buy, says Hall is wooing big boxes.

BOSTON-The plan to build a new ballpark for the Boston Red Sox here in the Fenway right next to the old one appears to be fading and potential buyers for the team are scrambling to find sites in other locations.

NEW YORK CITY-Put up for bid in April by Sara Lee to dispose on non-core assets it acquired in 1999, the six leaseholds have an average term of 20 years. The former diners range in size from 10,000 sf to 16,000 sf.