Development/Redevelopment

Atlanta — Simon Property Group has announced a series of improvements for Phipps Plaza in Atlanta’s fashionable Buckhead district.

The first improvement will make over the interior with a fresh new look. Plans include upgraded LED lighting, repainting, new warm wood accents, an updated railing system, luxury soft seating and lounging areas with Wi-Fi connectivity and chargers, upgraded restrooms and the installation of a hotel-like concierge service center.

New York — Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph Aquino, executive VP, of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group have arranged a first New York flagship for luxury apparel and accessories brand Peter Millar on Madison Avenue, between 54th and 55th Streets.

"This label is a perfect fit for the Madison and Worth Avenues of the world," said Consolo.

Consolo and Aquino represented the landlord, E PLUS E LLC, and Hanley Advisors represented the tenant.

New York -- Specialty fashion retailer Express has entered the booming outlet mall sector, opening its first-ever outlet store, at Tanger Outlets National Harbor center in Washington, D.C. The retailer plans to open approximately 30 additional factory outlet locations throughout the United States in 2014, targeting such top markets as Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and other top markets.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to relocate its full-line Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) department store in San Diego to a new space within the evolving mall.

The new two-level, 145,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom store will open in 2017 as part of Westfield UTC’s resort-inspired redevelopment, which is adding specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment, sustainable design features and family-friendly amenities, as well as structured parking.

Tractor Supply this week promoted Lee Downing to EVP, store operations. In conjunction with his promotion, Downing will assume added leadership responsibilities for the company's real estate team.

Downing will also be responsible for the strategic new store site selection, facilitation of store openings and ongoing maintenance, in addition to other real estate functions. He joined Tractor Supply October 2010 as SVP, store operations.

Mall-based specialty retailer Express opened its first outlet store at a Tanger outlet mall near Washington, D.C., and has plans for 30 more locations this year.

The operator of 630 predominantly mall-based stores had previously shunned outlet locations, but now views the popular venues as a growth opportunity.

New York -- Bang & Olufsen unveiled its first newly redesigned store concept in North America, at the new Madison Avenue location in New York City. The 1,400-sq.-ft. store is designed to evoke a true sensory experience and demonstrate Bang & Olufsen's commitment to providing extraordinary consumer experiences.  

Other locations in New York City will adopt the new design, as well as a handful of additional locations across the United States next fiscal year.

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. plans to move its European headquarters to London, from its current base in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The move will both concentrate some executives in the U.K., including some transferred from the Amsterdam office, and also increase the tax Starbucks pays in the U.K.

Starbucks paid an estimated $16.8 million in U.K. taxes during 2013 and has said it expects to pay the same amount in 2014. The company has received criticism in the U.K. for allegedly using complex accounting procedures to minimize the tax it pays there.

Atlanta -- Simon Property Group said it will undertake a series of improvements to Phipps Plaza, which is located in Atlanta's Buckhead district.

The plans include extensive interior makeover, providing a fresh new look and feel to the interior space of the mall, with upgraded LED lighting, new paint, new warm wood accents, an updated railing system, luxury soft seating and lounging areas with Wi-Fi connectivity and chargers. In addition, restrooms will be upgraded and a hotel-like concierge service center will be installed.

By Michael Lebowitz