Retail

California Pizza Kitchen Inc. had to cancel an auction to sell itself this week after no buyers bid for the company.

The dynamic reflects both a dearth of deals taking place and the fact that distress hasn’t started working through the marketplace yet.

It’s the latest sign of how the pandemic and the related decline in office workers and tourists has hobbled city businesses.

Retail giant Amazon.com came under fire after reporting that almost 20,000 of its frontline workers, including from subsidiary Whole Foods Market, have been infected with COVID-19.

Outlet centers have not been spared the pandemic’s toll. But their open-air locations and focus on value are major advantages.

On Wednesday, panelist discussions centered on the best ways for retailers and landlords to integrate e-commerce into their operations.

Vala, which houses more than 200 shops, is already equipped with solar panels, a reserve generator and back-up batteries.

Day one of the ICSC virtual conference focused on how retailers and landlords plan to rebound from the current situation.

On Monday, Pizza Hut said it is offering a large Original Pan Pizza with up to three toppings for $10.99, down from a standard price of about $18.