REAL ESTATE

Lakewood, Colo. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Ann Taylor Loft will open a store this fall at outlet and value shopping destination Colorado Mills, located in the Denver suburb of Lakewood.

Loft will be located near Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Ann Taylor Factory Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store.
 

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.

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group said it has named Cal Frese as CEO of the company’s Americas business. In this role, Frese has responsibility for leading CBRE’s largest business segment, with more than $3 billion of annual revenue and more than 20,000 employees.

Puyallup, Wash. -- Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. said that Torrid, Aveda, Burger Bliss and Mr. Jalapeno will open at South Hill Mall – in Puyallup, Wash. – between now and October 2012.

Torrid will open on Aug. 8 in a 2,600-sq.-ft. space, Aveda will open in 875 sq. ft. in October, and Burger Bliss and Mr. Jalapeno will open in the mall’s Food Court.

The 1 million-sq.-ft. mall is anchored by Target, Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears and Regal Cinemas.