Hottest Retailers Unveiled During ICSC's Global Retail Real Estate Convention

LAS VEGAS-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC) has announced the winners of its 2008 “Hot Retailer” awards, an award that recognizes innovative retail concepts that are appearing in shopping centers around the world. But what are the “hottest and most wanted” retail concepts shopping centers are seeking for their centers? According to a worldwide member survey by ICSC, nine retailers were chosen as the “hottest” concepts and will receive the award during ICSC’s Global Retail Real Estate Convention, RECon, on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“ICSC is pleased to announce and award its ‘Hot Retailer Award’ to retailers that have worked hard to create products and services that drive customers to shopping centers around the world,” said Michael P. Kercheval, ICSC’s president and CEO. “These eight retailers create exciting and interesting shopping experiences that contribute to the success of the shopping centers that have these stores as tenants. ICSC is pleased to add these nine retailers to our annual list of Hot Retailers and spotlight them during RECon,” Kercheval added.

This year’s Hottest Retailers are:

Apricot Lane (http://www.apricotlaneusa.com)

Apricot Lane is featured as the ONLY Specialty Retail Franchise that combines opportunities from the Fashion AND Gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers are looking for. Apricot Lane carries designer apparel brands such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, 1921 Denim, Habitual and many other premium denim lines. They also carry the hot new collections by Ed Hardy, Crystal Rock, Sinful, Free people by Urban Outfitters, Hale Bob and other up and coming designers. To complete any outfit, they carry accessories by Steve Madden, Naughty Monkey, Havianas, Jessica Simpson and Mary Frances. Many of these brands can be found in upscale department stores but the small boutique convenience, service and environment are the attraction. Apricot Lane’s core customer is 24-35 but it’s not uncommon to see mom and daughter shopping together – expanding the base to teenagers and women ages 40-plus. Stores currently can be found in lifestyle centers, regional malls, tourist spots, downtown locations and some strip centers.

Billabong (http://www.billabong.com/)

Australian Gordon Merchant founded Billabong in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast in 1973. Combining his passion for surfing with hard work, he developed his own stitching technique, which made the garments more durable, cost-effective and less labor intensive.

Since then, Billabong has continually improved every phase of its operation to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of surf wear and has expanded its product range to include board sport products such as wetsuits, watches, surfboards, snowboard outerwear and skateboarding apparel that appeals to both male and females, 12 to 20 years of age. The company’s continued support, development and sponsorship of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding events and world class athletes have contributed to Billabong market dominance and brand integrity.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (http://www.fiveguys.com/)

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a restaurant chain that originated in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in 1986. The chain sells award winning hamburgers and fresh cut fries, as well as 100% kosher hot dogs--everything is cooked to order. Five Guys Burgers and Fries has been voted "Best Burgers" for the past five years in Washingtonian Magazine, were rated number one "Bang for the Buck" in Zagat Survey rated 01-07 and The Washington Post calls them "The Willy Wonkas of Burgercraft." In addition, since expanding outside of the D.C. Metro area, Five Guys has won the Annapolis Magazine's reader poll for Best Fries, Richmond City Magazine's reader's choice for Best Burger and the Fredericksburg Star's Simply the Best Award for Best Burger. With over 260 units open from New England to Florida in four years, Five Guys is coming to a center near you.

Fresh & Easy (http://www.freshandeasy.com/)

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is a local, neighborhood store providing fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices to everyone. Fresh & Easy is a company of Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer and one of the world’s leading international retailers.

Fresh & Easy operates grocery stores in all types of neighborhoods, including those that have been traditionally underserved, and currently has over 60 stores open in California, Arizona and Nevada. At roughly 10,000 square feet, Fresh & Easy’s markets are smaller than a typical supermarket to give customers a faster, easier shopping experience.

In addition to offering a range of private label and national brand name products, Fresh & Easy also offers customers a broad selection of fresh, prepared meals. Fresh & Easy brand products have no artificial colors or flavors, no added trans fats and only use preservatives where absolutely necessary.

Fresh & Easy is committed to being a great place to work, a good neighbor and steward of the environment. The company is a pilot member of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Volume Certification Program, and is a member of the California Climate Action Registry, California’s only official voluntary registry for greenhouse gas emissions.

L.L. Bean (http://www.llbean.com/)

L.L.Bean, Inc. has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice for more than 95 years. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company has grown from a one-man operation to a global organization with annual sales of $1.6 billion. The company headquarters are in Freeport, Maine, just down the road from their original store. In 1951, L.L. Bean opened the store 365 days a year, 24 hours a day proclaiming, "We have thrown away the keys to the place." To this day, there are no locks on the doors of the flagship store in Freeport.

In July 2000, L.L.Bean extended its retail store presence beyond Maine for the first time when it opened a store in McLean, Virginia. From 2001 to 2007 the company opened additional stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. L.L.Bean plans further retail expansion in the upcoming years, three stores are planned for 2008, one in Pittsburgh and two in the Chicago area.

Pinkberry (http://www.pinkberry.com/)

Pinkberry is frozen yogurt-reinvented. Inspired by European gelato and frozen yogurt history, America’s ice cream pastime, and pop culture from around the world, Pinkberry creates a communal experience that indulges the senses. You can personalize Pinkberry's uniquely tangy non-fat frozen yogurt using a variety of high-quality and creative toppings. Pinkberry currently has more than 50 locations throughout California and New York. Get your taste of swirly goodness by visiting www.pinkberry.com.

Pollo Campero (http://www.campero.com/)

Pollo Campero, the world's largest Latin chicken restaurant chain, is expanding aggressively in the U.S., including the recent opening of its first restaurant inside a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The company’s mission is to conquer the heart and palate of its guests with flavorful food, an exceptional experience and uncompromising quality.

Pollo Campero is the only quick-service restaurant now offering both great-tasting grilled and famous fried bone-in chicken, along with Latin side dishes. Pollo Campero offers family-friendly take-out or eat-in dining. Side dishes include the award-winning Campero beans, Campero rice, yucca fries and sweet plantains, as well as traditional French fries and mashed potatoes. With more than 290 stores worldwide and 40 in the United States so far, Pollo Campero is adding new franchisees regularly.

RIDEMAKERZ (http://www.ridemakerz.com)

Tapping into America's love of cars and the massive car-customizing craze, RIDEMAKERZ? offers “kidz” from 6 to 106 the opportunity to build and customize their very own radio-controlled cars. RIDEMAKERZ is led by “ZEO” Larry Andreini, noted entrepreneur. In addition, legendary car-customizer Chip Foose, host of TLC’s "Overhaulin'", serves as an advisor for the experiential retailer.

Simply put, RIDEMAKERZ is about the joy and fun of creating something great, something artistic and something unique and original…a personalized, one-of-a-kind RIDE.

The RIDEMAKERZ experience is specifically designed to: provide choice, unleash creativity, foster confidence, encourage collaboration, and instill a sense of community. These core values, which RIDEMAKERZ calls “the Five C’z of RZ,” come to life in every RIDEMAKERZ experience.

Stir Crazy (http://www.stircrazy.com/)

Stir Crazy is a full-service Asian restaurant that offers a diverse menu of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese food, in a fun, vibrant atmosphere with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and bold flavors to deliver a truly unique casual dining experience for its guests. Stir Crazy currently has 12 locations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, New York, Missouri and Indiana, with five more restaurants in development through 2008.

Everything at Stir Crazy is made from scratch daily and they use only the freshest, most natural ingredients. The highly-acclaimed menu offers more than 50 dishes ranging from traditional Chinese favorites to innovative specialties from across Asia. They also feature 35 great wines by the glass or bottle.

This is the sixth annual “Hot Retailer Award” presentation. Previous winners include: J Crew; Justice - Just for Girls; Massage Envy; WineStyles; Apple Stores; Coach; Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear; White House|Black Market; Williams-Sonoma; Build-A-Bear Workshop; H&M Hollister; Hot Topic; Trader Joe’s Company; Victoria’s Secret; Chico’s; American Eagle Outfitters (AE); Steven Madden; ULTA, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 76,000 members in 92 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. Headquartered in New York City, ICSC has over 150 staff members and offices in Washington, D.C., Toronto, London, Beijing and Singapore.

International Council of Shopping Centers

Malachy Kavanagh or Erin Hershkowitz

+1-646-728-3495/3497