The Milwaukee Post

Johnson said, "The new, one-story 55,000- square-foot store will be smaller than the current two-level 85,000 store at Southridge Mall." Although it still has a healthy balance sheet, leaders within publicly traded Kohl's have indicated they are addressing chang- ing consumer habits by shrinking store foot- prints to remain competitive and profitable. The Southridge announcement follows this strategy. Although the Kohl's announcement knocks one of Southridge's five anchor department stores off the roster, mall man- agement and owner Simon Property Group have expressed optimism about the site's future as a commercial retail destination. "We continue to evolve to provide shop- pers with more choices at their shopping mall," Mary Mokwa, Southridge's general manager, said in a statement. Mokwa pointed out Southridge has sev- eral new developments on the horizon — the most prominent being Milwaukee-based Marcus Theatres' Bistro Plex, which is expected to open this summer on what once was parking lot space on the mall's perime- ter. But Southridge's traditional business model with a heavy emphasis on depart- ment stores as anchor tenants and a layout that requires shoppers to access shops inside the mall corridor might have to be tweaked in the years ahead. When asked about Southridge's long- term viability and, specifically, the future of the Kohl's space within the mall, officials within Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group declined comment. But the company provided a statement from Rick Sokolov, Simon's chief marketing officer, on the property management compa- ny's view of anchor department store spaces. "If department stores close, we know what to do with them," Sokolov said in the statement. "We are ready to take them back, should the opportunity present itself, where we can make money and do it on a cost effec- tive basis." The remaining anchors Exacerbating the uncertainty is the state of Southridge's other four anchor tenants. The parent companies behind Boston Store, JCPenney, Macy's and Sears have all struggled in recent years and are in varying states of profitability. The direst of the quartet is Sears. Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears Holdings Corp. runs the Sears and Kmart stores. SHC has not posted a profit across its two depart- ment store chains since 2010. Recently, the ailing retailer in its annual earnings report gave a warning shot that it might completely shut down its two brands. "Our historical operating results indi- cate substantial doubt exists related to the company's ability to continue as a growing concern," SHC management wrote in the annual report. SHC has been closing scores of Sears and Kmart stores in recent years as it tries to stem losses and stay afloat. When it comes to department store closures, Sears is not alone. Plano, Texas-based JCPenney recently announced it was closing 138 stores across the U.S. No Milwaukee-area stores were on the list, though the company is shuttering four stores in smaller communities in northern Wisconsin. Cincinnati-based Macy's also is in the midst of a multiphased effort to close up to 100 unprofitable stores across the U.S. Neither the Southridge nor Mayfair Mall locations are targeted at this time. Bon-Ton, which owns the Boston Store brand, is in such a financially precarious situation that it recently faced the risk of having its publicly traded stock delisted because it fell below $1 per share. The com- pany, with dual headquarters in Milwaukee and York, Pa., has announced plans to close a small handful of its stores this year. Despite the uncertainties, Southridge Mall and Simon Property Group have a strong ally: the village of Greendale. "Southridge Mall has been a part of Greendale for nearly 50 years," Village Manager Todd Michaels said. "As with any member of our community, we hope they continue to thrive." Michaels said he and other village offi- cials are optimistic about Simon Property Group's expertise and ability to keep Southridge relevant as shopping trends change. "As the largest mall owner in the coun- try, they have the knowledge and means to manage the mall into the future," Michaels said. Southridge: Mall not solely dependent on department stores continued from Page 1 Dave Fidlin/Special to the Post Due to the uncertainty in brick-and-mortar depart- ment stores, the anchor lineup at Southridge could change. The Marcus Corp. is building a movie theater with bistro at Southridge Mall in Greendale, which is taking up parking space at the mall. Southridge has been a retail mecca on the Southwest Side of Milwaukee County for nearly 50 years, far outlast- ing its northern counterpart, the defunct Northridge Mall on Milwaukee's North Side. Southridge's owners cite its ability to change as a factor in its favor in the future. Dave Fidlin/Special to the Post Next week Read about the new retail models popping up in southern Milwaukee County. WEST ALLIS — A bowling fundraiser in memory of Scott Grapatin will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at Riviera Lanes, 8600 W. Greenfield Ave. Walk-in bowlers are still being accepted; bowling costs $9 for three games. Proceeds will go to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa to help find a cure for soft-tis- sue sarcoma, a rare cancer that develops from certain tis- sues. Grapatin died of the disease May 15, 2013. For more information on the event, call Danny at 414-744-2274. Bowling fundraiser in memory of Grapatin Grapatin April 21, 2017 • Milwaukee County Post • 17 - PAID ADVERTISEMENT - PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL, BURIAL AND CREMATION Most of us will leave a surviving spouse or children who will be responsible for our funeral, burial and cremation. However, not everyone has a trusted individual who they can rely upon to follow their burial wishes. In addition, occasionally there are family disputes about funerals. If you have concerns that your funeral wishes may not be followed, there are a number of things you may do. First, it is always a good idea to pre-plan and pre-pay your funeral. Most of the time your wishes will be followed by the funeral director. Your loved ones will not need to pick out a casket and go through difficult decisions the day after you pass away. Pre-planning can include every aspect of your funeral including music, services, clothing, post funeral brunches and burial or cremation wishes. Under Wisconsin law, you may appoint an individual to have the authority to conduct your funeral. If you expect your loved ones will argue and disagree, this can be a good idea. Forms are available from the State of Wisconsin by which you can appoint someone who will have sole authority to handle your funeral. Without such a form, the law will assume your closest living loved ones have the authority. However, there can be disagreement between children, if they are your closest living loved ones. In summary, give thought to pre-planning and prepaying your funeral, this will take a tremendous burden off your loved ones the day after you pass away. If you expect that there will be problems and disagreements over your funeral, consider naming one person to have sole authority. There are other things you can do that will make it easier on your loved ones after you pass. They include: leaving a will or a trust; leaving a list of your bank accounts, insurances and other assets; letting others know where your important papers can be found; having a trusted person who has access to your safe box; and throwing away all those old receipts and "important" papers your loved ones will have to go through after you pass away. Also, all the "stuff" in your basement, garage, attic and closets that you have intended to give away or throw out - Do It Now! Please let your loved ones know where your important papers, including your will or trust, will be found after your death. I cannot tell how many times a parent passes away and the children have no idea where the original will or trust is located. The Law Office of James J. Winiarski offers a free estate planning consultation. Our approach to estate planning is to explain the options available, the cost of each option, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you would like to set up an appointment for a free estate planning conference, please call us at 414-383-3902. 254594107

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