TREND WATCH : <i> A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications. Items were compiled and edited by Grassroots Research, a unit of the San Francisco money management firm of RCM Capital Management. </i>
Color of Money: Color copying machines are the fastest-growing segment of the office copier market. By 1994, the number of color copiers installed nationwide is expected to grow to 178,000, compared to 16,000 at the end of last year. Companies that stand to benefit include Mead Corp., the paper-products manufacturer in Dayton, Ohio, and Colorocs Corp. of Georgia, which makes color copiers for engineering documents, real estate portfolios and advertising brochures. High costs remain a hindrance to the market’s growth, but industry insiders are confident that the market will grow as companies become more reliant on graphics to present their best side. Cleveland Plain Dealer
Golden Screens: Despite a 10% increase in gross box office receipts--$5 billion last year, compared to $4.5 billion in 1988--competition among theaters is growing as the number of screens continues to soar. The United States alone has 23,132 first-run screens, up from 17,600 in 1980. What are theaters doing to make themselves stand out? Some are attracting families by offering morning movies in the summer and bargain rates before 6 p.m. Others are trying special promotions with local radio stations, sneak previews and special discounts to senior citizens and students. Special events, such as group rentals, also bring in good concession returns. Business First of Greater Columbus (Ohio)
Finding Oil: Safety-Kleen Corp. of Elgin, Ill., is investing $40 million in a plant to recycle motor oil. The plant, which will be located in East Chicago, Ind., is billed as the largest in the world and is scheduled to be open in a year. It will refine 75 million gallons of used auto and industrial oil a year, producing 43 million gallons of lubricating oil and other petroleum products. The company plans to open another plant on the East Coast. Chicago Tribune
Expansion Site: Best Buy, the Minneapolis-based electronics retailer, may make Dallas the site of its second distribution center as the chain expands into the Southeast to compete with the Circuit City and Highland chains. Currently, Best Buy distributes goods from Minneapolis, which works well for its 53 Midwestern stores. But the company recently opened three stores in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, is in the process of building a fourth and has plans for outlets in Irving, Plano and Ft. Worth. Best Buy has leased warehouse and distribution space in Dallas. Dallas Business Journal
