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WestShore Burdines to get new lookBy MARK ALBRIGHT, Times Staff Writer© St. Petersburg Times published September 26, 2002 Federated Department Stores Inc. is upgrading 34 stores, including Burdines at WestShore Plaza in Tampa, this fall to reflect merchandising experiments the company tested over the past two years. The changes mirror Federated's latest vision of how department stores might evolve to slow the loss of middle-income market share to discount stores and trendy specialty chains that appeal to the young. The company hopes to have the new looks completed for the upcoming holiday shopping season. In choosing WestShore, Miami-based Burdines turned to its local flagship store, which faces new competition from four department stores in nearby International Plaza. WestShore did its own makeover in the past five years, including a $2-million exterior upgrade of Burdines. Eventually Federated plans to incorporate the changes in most of its 460 stores, including Macy's, Rich's and Lazarus. The new look, however, is not scheduled for the Cincinnati department store chain's more upscale Bloomingdale's unit. The changes, which also will be seen in eight new stores Federated plans to open this year, include: Strollers that double as shopping carts, bigger directional signs and computerized price check stations. The trend, which includes more central checkout stations in some stores, leans decidedly toward more self-service. New technology in the form of Internet kiosks that will allow customers in the juniors department to check their e-mail, upscale vending machines and enhanced sound systems in young fashion departments. More contemporary fitting areas outfited with flat-screen televisions, telephones and sofa/banquettes. A new look for children's departments, which also will begin carrying Greendog, a new store brand of kids' footwear. -- Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8252.
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From the Times Business report
From the AP
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