Development/Redevelopment

Retailers’ growth plans in the United States are up 40% over last year’s levels, according to ChainLinks' Retail Advisors Spring 2011 National Retail Report. The report, which details trends impacting retail commercial real estate in more than 40 of the nation’s top markets, credits the surge in expansion to two key factors: the return of optimism within the retail sector; and the desire to expand quickly now -- before retail fundamentals improve enough for rents to start climbing again.

The nation’s capital tops a list of the healthiest retail markets for 2011. The ranking, “ChainLinks/Terranomics Retail Power Rankings for 2011,” is based on the general overall health of a marketplace and includes such factors as overall economic indicators, income growth, ongoing construction, rental rate trends, and the amount of retail demand in the market.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. said fourth-quarter earnings rose 29% as net sales jumped 12% to $1.1 billion. The company earned $181.2 million in the quarter compared with $140.4 million in the year-ago period. The latest quarter includes from the pending relocation of Tiffany's New York headquarters staff.

For the full year, worldwide net sales increased 14% to $3.1 billion. Net earnings from continuing operations rose 39% to $368.4 million.

As part of the multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, The Cordish Cos. announced that entertainment concepts PBR Baltimore and The Baltimore Comedy Factory hosted grand openings the first two weekends in March. 

These latest downtown destinations join the recently opened Tatu Asian Grill in the restaurant, entertainment and office district that is now going on its 12th year of operations.

New York City -- British footwear and apparel retailer L.K. Bennett plans to open 30 to 40 stores in the United States during the next three to five years, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The company will open its first U.S. stores this spring, with British footwear and apparel retailer L.K. Bennett plans to open 30 to 40 stores in the United States during the next three to five years, Women’s Wear Daily reported.locations in Chicago and Atlanta.

New York City -- Finnish retailer Marimekko will open a flagship in Manhattan this fall. The company is also expanding its collaboration with Crate & Barrel.

The 4,000-sq.-ft. store will feature Marimekko’s wide-ranging product mix, which includes furnishings fabrics, home goods, apparel and accessories. It will be designed by the Japanese architectural firm IMA.

New York City -- Jack Rogers, the brand best known for its Navajo-inspired sandals, has opened its first retail store, on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

The 1,200-sq.-ft. shop features the company’s greatly growing merchandise lineup, which includes a variety of women’s footwear, accessories, and even some apparel.

The store, designed by New York City-based a+i design, has a nearly all-white interior, with black-oak flooring.
 

Fairfield, N.J. -- Amerlux Global Lighting Solutions recently celebrated the grand opening of Guangzhou Amerlux Lighting Solutions Co. Ltd., its new facility in China, as well as a Hong Kong sales office. The Guangzhou location was officially launched on Feb. 15 with an elaborate traditional Chinese ceremony.