Sunday, May 6, 2012

Red Lobster Opening




While small businesses in Palm Desert are opening in numbers according to The Desert Sun, the status of the larger and more visible retail spaces along Highway 111 is much different. 
Construction on Red Lobster (on Highway 111 and Fred Waring) is drawing much attention.   The long awaited seafood chain expects to open in Palm Desert sometime near the end of June.  
Those looking for employment with the restaurant are advised to watch www.facebook.com/workatredlobster.  A large banner will also be placed at the restaurant itself announcing when applications will be accepted. 
Noticeable vacancies at former large retailers in Palm Desert aren’t being filled soon.  
Vacant since 2008, the former Mervyn’s site is slated for new life in the future. Vons has approval from the city to move from the Palms to Pines center to the space formerly occupied by Mervyn’s.   Palm Desert’s Director of Community Development Lauri Aylaian told patch that the plan was for Vons to open this November, but the grocery chain has pushed back the opening at least one year.  
Toys-R-Us moved from Palm Desert to Indio in 2011, never regaining sales traction at the Palm Desert location following a double killing at the store on Black Friday in 2008.
Since then, the city has had talks with developers and retailers about the site, but none have reached an announced agreement.   
The Best Buy in Palm Desert is also making changes.   According to a newspaper article, the electronics retailer plans to shut down the location on Towne Center Way, across from Westfield Palm Desert, and to re-open in a smaller location in the Desert Crossing Center.   There is no word of who will take over the current Best Buy location.

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