Retail Corridor: SanTan Village opens more stores

At SanTan Village in Gilbert, two big retailers - Best Buy and Dick's Sporting Goods - are opening, along with two restaurants and three smaller retailers this month, mall officials said.

Best Buy opens Thursday while Dick's Sporting Goods is set to open June 29, said Sheila Hunter, senior property manager.

"It's a big month for us in terms of exciting tenants that are opening," she added.

Italian restaurant Brio Tuscan Grille opens Wednesday, followed by Kona Grill, which serves everything from steak to sushi, on Thursday.Center officials also expect AT&T Wireless store, Stride Rite shoe store and Leonidas Chocolate Café to open this month, but they haven't released opening dates.

JUST FEDEX NOW

Next time you're searching the phone book for the nearest FedEx Kinko's copy and print store, remember to drop the "Kinko's"

That's because the Dallas-based company is dropping the Kinko's name and will now be known as FedEx Office. The new name "better describes the wide range of services available at its retail centers and takes full advantage of the FedEx brand," officials said in a news release.

FedEx bought Kinko's in 2004.

LEGO IN CHANDLER

The Lego Co., a 76-year-old Danish maker of interlocking plastic toys, opened its first Arizona store at Chandler Fashion Center two weeks earlier than expected.

The Lego Store, which has only 20 locations in the United States, opened Thursday.

Employees will host monthly in-store building contests and other free events, according to a news release.

"Everyday, the store offers hands-on opportunities to build anything you can imagine. It specializes in offering hard-to-find Lego items for the ultimate fan. Lego birthday parties come with special gifts and goodies," the release says.

PETSHOTEL OPENS

If you are one of the East Valley residents braving the $4-plus per gallon gas prices to get out of town this summer, you have a new place to drop off you pets.

Phoenix-based PetSmart opened a pet-boarding service on Thursday in Mesa. PetsHotel is on Stapley Drive between U.S. 60 and Baseline Road.

AAA GIVES TOP MARKS TO 4 AUTO SHOPS

For seven years, AAA Arizona has been bestowing its “Top Shops” label on local auto repair centers that the consumer organization dubs trustworthy.

Besides its own inspections of candidates for the honor, AAA surveys 200 of each shop’s customers before giving a shop an official thumbs up.

Only 20 car repair and three body shops in Arizona got the auto club’s blessing this year.

The four “most trusted” shops in Scottsdale are:

• Airpark Auto Service, 8115 E. Raintree Drive.

• Greulich’s Automotive Service, 15445 N. 83rd Way.

• Greulich’s Automotive Collision, 8180 E. Raintree Drive.

• Marshall’s Service Center, 8128 E. Indian School Road.

Airpark Auto Service and Marshall’s Service Center have received the top shop designation for all seven years that AAA Arizona has been rating the businesses.

DAD’S DAY

It’s down to the last couple of days to buy that tie. Or not. According to the National Retail Federation, high prices for food and fuel are cutting into budgets for the typical duds and doodads Americans buy for Dad on his annual holiday.

The trade group polled shoppers in mid-May about what they plan to spend for this Father’s Day.

The survey found that the average consumer will spend $94.54, about $4 less than last year.

Four out of 10 said they will take Dad someplace special, and seven out of 10 will invest in a card.

Those who will also purchase a gift or two will opt for clothing (37 percent), gift cards (33 percent), books and CDs (23 percent), sporting goods (13 percent) and consumer electronics or accessories (19 percent).

SHOPPING IN STYLE

If you’ve just bought a home and want to buy some furniture to fill it up, one Scottsdale shop said it will save you the gas money.

Parnian Furniture is offering free limo service to its showroom at the southeast corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and 82nd Street.

Ali Parnian said the posh transportation offer is good through July 4 for anyone who has bought a new home in the last six months and wants to check out his furniture deals.

NEW OWNER

Malm Luggage at Scottsdale Fashion Square has a new owner.

Colorado-based Colorado Baggage Co., which has 10 stores, all in Colorado, and investment partner Gart Capital Partners bought all the assets of Malm’s parent, Texas-based Bag ’n Baggage, which has 34 stores in 12 states. The Fashion Square store is the only Arizona location.

No word on the fate of the local store or whether it will get a new name with the new owner.