REAL ESTATE

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Henri Bendel has opened a 2,300-sq.-ft. store at Cherry Hill Mall, in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Cherry Hill Mall is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s and J.C. Penney. Grand Lux Café recently opened its upscale restaurant concept at the mall, and Essensuals London, Pottery Barn and The North Face are all slated to open this year.
 

New York -- Aurora Capital Associates, a real estate investment firm, is reported to be acquiring New York-based discount retailer Daffys with plans to sublease its stores, according to Crain’s New York.

Daffy’s, which operates 19 stores, in July announced plans to liquidate by October.

The company has several prime real estate sites, eight of which are located in prime shopping area of Manhattan.

Real Estate Weekly first reported the news concerning Daffy’s possible acquisition.

Denver -- National Grocers by Vitamin Cottage said Tuesday that its first Arizona store – in Flagstaff – has opened, and will be joined by two additional stores located in Sedona and Prescott.

The privately owned regional grocery chain, which operates 56 stores in 12 states, incorporated environmentally friendly elements into the Flagstaff store. Energy-efficient features include motion light sensors, 100% post-consumer content tiles, polished concrete flooring and commercial-grade LED lights.  And the chain is 100% shopping bag free.

El Paso, Texas -- Best Buy Co. has signed a lease to open a 37,740-sq.-ft. store at The Fountains at Farah, a new power-lifestyle shopping center located in El Paso, Texas.

The shopping center, a Centergy Retail project, is under construction and planned to open in 600,000 sq. ft. in fall 2013.
 

General Growth Properties malls across the country have partnered with online charity DonorsChoose.org for its Celebrate Schools! philanthropic initiative. 

The partnership is designed to shine the spotlight on the importance of a quality education and assist local schools and teachers with much-needed supplies and funding.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties said Friday it has established a partnership with online charity organization DonorsChoose.org as part of GGP’s Celebrate Schools! philanthropic initiative.

The partnership is designed to assist local schools and teachers with supplies and funding.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Charming Charlie has opened a 12,000-sq.-ft. store at Plymouth Meeting Mall, in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

The mall is anchored by Macy’s, Boscov’s, and Whole Foods Market and Café, and features more than 100 specialty retailers.
 

New York -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged the American debut of Caramel Baby & Child at 1244 Madison Avenue, between 89th and 90th Streets. 

The luxury label, which currently has stores in London and Tokyo, specializes in clothing for babies through toddlers. The newest location is on a corridor that is regarded as a center for luxury children's clothing, and home to such neighbors as Armani Jr., Jacadi, Baby Cottons, J. Crew Cuts, Pink Chicken, Brooks Brothers Children and Rachel Riley.