REAL ESTATE

CSA names seasoned writer/marketer as real estate editor
Chain Store Age has named Al Urbanski as real estate editor & manager; effective immediately. Al takes the reins of CSA’s online and print real estate content as well as develops marketing strategies for shopping center companies, real estate advisers and brokers, tech firms and more to leverage CSA’s retailer audience.
New PREIT loyalty program rewards retailers with shopper data
PREIT, whose portfolio includes the Plymouth Meeting Mall in Pennsylvania, the Mall at Prince Georges in Maryland, and the Springfield Town Center in Virginia, has introduced a digital shopper loyalty program that rewards participating retailers with customer behavioral data.

Watch out Starbucks—iconic motorcycle brand adds latte to its lineup

Fans of Harley-Davidson can immerse themselves in the brand at the new “1903—A Harley Davidson Cafe” in downtown Toronto. Named for the year the company was founded, the 4,200-sq.-ft. café features a biker-themed décor inspired by the history of the 114-year-old brand. Folks who have never hopped on a Harley can get a taste of the experience by taking a test ride on the JumpStart ride simulator.
Specialty retailer outsourcing real estate department

Brookstone has retained New York-based RCS Real Estate Advisors to operate as the retailer’s outsourced real estate department. Brookstone operates 218 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico in shopping malls, airports and other locations.
Now trending: Hot Stuff

Summer is an interesting time in the world of retail. With lazy vacation-stilted months in June and July and the comparatively bustling back-to-school energy of August, it is a season of contradictions. While, yes, the unique challenges and opportunities of summer sales patterns and scheduling are different than any other time of the year, understanding what is likely on tap for retailers this summer requires an appreciation for certain universal factors that play a role no matter what the calendar says.
Technology repair retailer has big growth plans

Given the growing proliferation of digital devices, it’s no wonder uBreakiFix is feeling bullish about expansion. The fast-growing technology repair company specializes in same-day repair service of small electronics. With some 200 locations across North America, uBreakiFix opened 24 stores during first quarter 2016. It expects to have a total of 275 stores by year end.
Entertainment and Experience Guide the Future of Retail

It’s no secret that mixed-use developments are incorporating an increasing amount of entertainment uses and experience-centric concepts into their projects. Gone are the days of shopping-only destinations. Developers and local municipalities are focusing more and more on complex retail-led mixed-use formats to attain a focal point for social, commercial and economic growth.
Exclusive Videos: CSA TV interviews at RECon 2016

Retail real estate leaders and analysts discuss the retail landscape, trends in the industry, and projects to keep an eye on.

Watch the videos here.
Survey: Retail sector least prepared to comply with new FASB lease accounting standards

Just 9.8% of more than 5,400 financial and accounting professionals say their companies are prepared to comply with the new Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) lease accounting standards. That is one of the highlights of a recent Deloitte poll. http://www.slideshare.net/DeloitteUS/new-lease-accounting-standards-are-companies-prepared-to-comply-62702689
Survey ranks fastest emerging global retail markets

Retailers looking for global opportunities in emerging markets should head to Asia, particularly China, according to a just-released survey.

China ranks as the top country in A.T. Kearney’s 2016 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), followed by India, whose high market potential, fast growth, improved regulatory environment, and ease of doing business pulled it up to second in the rankings. (See end of article for top 30 rankings.)