Riverside is set to welcome a new specialty grocery store next year as Pioneer Cash & Carry, a well-known Indian grocer, expands its reach into the Inland Empire. The family-owned market has purchased a vacant storefront on Magnolia Avenue, signaling a significant addition to the local retail landscape.
Pioneer Cash & Carry acquired the 10,128-square-foot space at 9185 Magnolia Ave. for $1,750,000. Strategically positioned, the new store will be located next to a Family Dollar and conveniently across from a Stater Bros. Markets on Donald Avenue, offering accessibility and visibility in a bustling commercial area.
Established in 1982, Pioneer Cash & Carry has deep roots in the Little India community of Artesia, with two successful locations already serving the region. This Riverside venture marks the first foray into the Inland Empire for owner Devraj Keray, representing a notable expansion for the established grocer.
According to their website, Pioneer Cash & Carry has always been driven by a “passion about filling the void for unique, fresh, quality ethnic foods in the local community.” This mission will now extend to Riverside residents, promising a diverse and authentic selection of Indian groceries.
Customers can expect a wide array of specialty items, including Indian and ethnic produce, alongside a comprehensive selection of branded goods directly imported from India. The store will feature dedicated departments for essential Indian pantry staples such as lentils, spices, rice, and flour, as well as a variety of coffees, teas, and popular Indian snacks and cookies. Adding to the fresh offerings, an in-store bakery will produce daily staples like roti, pav, and thepla, ensuring fresh flatbread and rolls are readily available.
The real estate transaction for the property was facilitated by Albert Lopez of Progressive Real Estate Partners, highlighting the commercial interest and growth within the Riverside area.
While Pioneer Cash & Carry prepares to open its doors, other businesses in the Inland Empire are also making moves. Discount retailer Burlington Stores is currently hiring across its retail and warehouse locations in the region, aiming to add 20,000 employees nationwide. Warehouse positions at Burlington offer an hourly wage starting at $22.
Burlington Stores Inland Empire Hiring Push
Discount retailer Burlington Stores is actively recruiting for numerous positions at both retail stores and distribution centers throughout the Inland Empire.
This hiring initiative is part of a company-wide effort to onboard 20,000 new employees across the nation, indicating significant growth and expansion for the retailer.
Warehouse roles available at Burlington distribution centers include both first and second shift, full-time positions for warehouse associates and supervisors. For those interested in retail, Burlington stores are hiring cashiers, sales associates, supervisors, and store managers. Hourly wages are competitive, ranging from minimum wage up to $22 per hour for distribution center positions. The company is also advertising flexible shifts and potential sign-on bonuses, although specific details were not disclosed.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the Burlington Stores job portal at BurlingtonStores.jobs. The website allows applicants to filter by location to easily find available positions in the Inland Empire.
Burlington Stores hiring employees at retail and warehouse locations across the Inland Empire
In other business news, Howard’s, a well-known appliance retailer headquartered in La Habra, has updated its pandemic safety protocols, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the retail sector. The company is mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all managers by September 1st and for all staff members by October 1st.
Howard’s Appliance Retailer Updates Pandemic Protocols for Staff
Howard’s, the appliance retail chain based in La Habra, is proactively updating its safety measures in response to the ongoing pandemic situation. The company has announced a mandatory vaccination policy for its workforce.
According to the new protocol, all Howard’s managers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 1st, followed by a deadline of October 1st for all remaining staff members to be vaccinated.
Recognizing individual circumstances, Howard’s is providing accommodations for employees who cannot receive vaccinations due to religious or medical reasons. These employees will have the option to opt-out of the vaccination requirement, provided they undergo regular COVID-19 testing every two weeks.
John Riddle, CEO and president of Howard’s, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “We have chosen to safeguard the health and safety of staff in our stores, distribution center and at our corporate headquarters because we care deeply about protecting our workforce and shoppers. It is important that our employees and customers feel secure in the office and our stores.”
To further support employees, Howard’s is offering free counseling services to those hesitant about vaccination, providing a platform to address concerns and ask questions. Additionally, the retailer will make meditation and yoga courses available to staff, promoting overall wellness.
Riddle further commented, “While there are many elements of the virus that remain outside our control, we are proud to contribute in a meaningful way to helping our employees focus on their wellness. This is one of the most significant ways that we can take care of our business and communities.” Howard’s currently operates 12 locations across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
In industrial real estate, Worldwide Material Handling (WWMH), a manufacturer of wire mesh products for pallet racks, has made a significant investment in San Bernardino. The company has purchased a recently constructed 135,287-square-foot industrial facility for $21.5 million, as reported by Cushman & Wakefield.
San Bernardino Industrial Facility Sells for $21.5 Million to Worldwide Material Handling
Worldwide Material Handling, a company specializing in wire mesh products essential for pallet racking systems, has expanded its footprint in San Bernardino with a major real estate acquisition.
WWMH has purchased a newly built, expansive industrial building located at 549 E. Central Ave. for a price of $21.5 million. The 135,287-square-foot facility was developed and sold by Hillwood Investment Properties, a division of the Perot Co.
The transaction was facilitated by a team from Cushman & Wakefield’s Inland Empire office in Ontario, including Tim Pimentel, Chuck Belden, Brice Larson, and Kyle Kehner, who represented WWMH. Hillwood was represented by Bill Heim and Alex Heim of Lee & Associates.
Tim Pimentel of Cushman & Wakefield noted WWMH’s growth trajectory in San Bernardino, stating, “Over the years, Worldwide Material Handling has grown in San Bernardino from its smaller 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot buildings and expeditiously now to their newly acquired facility. Like many companies, WWMH has experienced growth due to the long term e-commerce movement that has put heavy demand on industrial real estate regionally and nationally.”
WWMH’s new facility is situated within Hillwood’s AllianceCalifornia, a substantial 2,000-acre trade and logistics center located at the intersection of Central and Valley View avenues, a prime location for industrial operations.
Exterior view of the industrial facility purchased by Worldwide Material Handling in San Bernardino
Another industrial property transaction in Riverside saw an 18,090-square-foot building at 887 Marlborough Ave. sold for $3.725 million, according to Avison Young.
Riverside Industrial Building on Marlborough Avenue Sold for $3.7 Million
An industrial building located at 887 Marlborough Ave. in Riverside has been sold for $3.725 million, marking another significant transaction in the Inland Empire industrial property market, according to commercial real estate firm Avison Young.
Cody Lerner and Stan Nowak from Avison Young’s Inland Empire office represented the seller, Riverside-based New Power Inc., in the deal. New Power Inc., a solar panel business, will lease back the property under a sale-leaseback agreement. The buyer, who remains unidentified, was represented by Berkshire Hathaway.
Cody Lerner of Avison Young commented on the current market conditions, stating, “The industrial property sector continues to see a shortage of inventory which is creating historically high prices. We were pleased to have accomplished our seller client’s financial and operational goals by facilitating a sale-leaseback of the building.”
The industrial building, constructed in 2002 on a 1.25-acre lot, underwent renovations in 2017 and features 50% office space, solar panels, and a convenient drive-in door.
In community news, Family Is All That Matters (FIAT Group), a non-profit after-school tutoring program, has opened a new location at The Galleria at Tyler in Riverside. FIAT Group blends mentoring and athletics for students aged 5 to 18.
Tutoring Program Opens at The Galleria at Tyler
Family Is All That Matters (FIAT Group), a non-profit organization offering after-school tutoring, has launched a new program location at The Galleria at Tyler shopping mall in Riverside.
The FIAT Group’s program provides a unique approach to after-school education by combining academic tutoring with mentorship and athletic activities for students ranging from 5 to 18 years old. More information about the program can be found at fiatmgroupinc.org.
Finally, in personnel moves, John Pierce has joined McDonald Property Group, an industrial real estate development company based in Laguna Beach, as the new senior vice president of development. Pierce will oversee all development aspects for McDonald’s industrial projects in the Inland Empire.
John Pierce Appointed Senior VP of Development at McDonald Property Group
John Pierce has joined McDonald Property Group, a Laguna Beach-based industrial real estate development firm, in the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Development, strengthening the company’s leadership team.
Pierce brings significant experience to the position, having previously served as vice president of development for Prologis for five years. In his new role at McDonald Property Group, Pierce will be responsible for managing all facets of development, including construction management, for both current and upcoming ground-up industrial development projects in the Inland Empire region.
Julius Dimaranan, esports scholarship winner in Riverside
Adding to local achievements, Julius Dimaranan, a 17-year-old esports tournament champion and Arlington High School alumnus from Riverside, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship from ViewSonic.
Riverside Student Julius Dimaranan Wins Esports Scholarship
Julius Dimaranan, a 17-year-old resident of Riverside and a seven-time winner in esports tournaments, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship from ViewSonic. Dimaranan is a graduate of Arlington High School in Riverside.
ViewSonic, a technology company specializing in monitors, projectors, and digital displays, is a partner with the Riverside County Esports League and the Riverside County Office of Education. The $1,500 scholarship awarded to Dimaranan is part of ViewSonic’s larger $25,000 commitment to supporting esports in the region.
Dimaranan plans to utilize the scholarship funds for his education at Riverside Community College before transferring to either UC Riverside or Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
Business briefs are compiled and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Items for consideration can be submitted to [email protected]. High-resolution images are also welcome. Please allow at least one week for publication. Submissions are edited for length and clarity.
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