Strategy

eBay is turning to the former chief executive of a major specialty retailer to help provide its board of directors some guidance.

Paul Pressler, who served as president and CEO of Gap Inc. from 2002-2007, has been named to eBay’s board and will serve on the Audit Committee as well as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

In its 11th year, the Top Redevelopers survey remains relevant as more shopping center companies redevelop than build anew – although the redevelop vs. develop scales are more in balance now than they were five years ago.

Gaithersburg, Md. -- Retail Properties of America, Inc. announced GreatGatherings a 16,825 sq. ft. store will join Downtown Crown located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. RPAI acquired Downtown Crown in January 2015 with a lease rate of 77.5%, the centers lease rate is now 88.7%.

Location: Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Size: 948,000 sq. ft.

Owner: PREIT

Key Tenants: Whole Foods Market, Dave & Buster’s, Redstone American Grill, P.F. Chang’s, Benihana, California Pizza Kitchen, Zoes Kitchen, American Eagle Outfitters, Charming Charlie, Express, Gymboree, H&M, J.Crew Factory, Orvis

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Size: Nine city blocks, 600,000 sq. ft.

Owner: The Cordish Companies

Key Tenants: Jos. A. Bank, Zafar Salon, Spa & Boutique, Envolve Boutique, The Garment District KC, Cosentino’s Downtown Market, Yard House, Alamo Drafthouse, Howl at the Moon and more

The first in a series of interviews with retail executives who attend SPECS, Chain Store Age’s annual store planning conference.

Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old privately held operator of over 530 stores, is expanding its retail footprint with a new specialty store format, Bunulu.

Focused on the coastal lifestyle and targeted at outdoor and youth-minded shoppers, the new concept has a more upmarket vibe than Bealls’ other banners. It premiered at Coconut Point Mall in Estero, Florida. Two additional locations — at St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville, Florida, and The Garden Mall, Palm Beach, Florida — are set to open by the end of this year.

Interior build-outs in the retail sector can be some of the most expensive construction projects, with cost per unit area far exceeding that of an exterior build. They are also often more logistically complex. For example, the coordination of all the different trades and the delivery of materials, fixtures and products can be challenging, but it is key to ensuring quality, containing costs and avoiding delays.

In the two months since the Department of Labor announced its proposed new overtime standards, much has been written about what it may mean for employers big and small.

Snellville, Ga. -- Olshan Properties announced two new retail tenants have signed leases at The Shoppes at Webb Gin in Snellville, Georgia. Orangetheory Fitness opened earlier this month and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop announced plans to open in early fall at the center.