Development/Redevelopment

National Retail Federation SVP for government relations David French spoke to Fox News' Stuart Varney about D.C.’s decision to pass a living wage bill requiring non-union, big box retailers to pay their employees $12.60 per hour. As a result of the bill's passing, Walmart has scrapped plans to open three stores in the District. While defenders of the bill point out that the living wage is a fair one given cost of living and the still challeneging economic climate, Varney says the District, via its council members, is turning down 2,000 jobs and French agrees.

Cranford, N.J. -- Winick Realty Group N.J. has announced the formation of an investment sales division in the company’s Cranford, N.J., office. The new division will focus on a wide range of properties from ne-leased investment-grade properties to shopping centers throughout New Jersey.

“The investment sales market is red-hot right now, with a substantial amount of business that reaches pre-recession levels,” said Tyler Bennett, senior VP and founding partner of Winick Realty N.J.

Cincinnati -- Phillips Edison-ARC Shopping Center REIT Inc. has acquired Boronda Plaza in Salinas, Calif. Food 4 Less, a subsidiary of Kroger, anchors the 93,071-sq.-ft. shopping center, which is 98% occupied.

When combined with the Food 4 Less lease, 68% of the rents for the center derive from national tenants. More information at Phillipsedison-arc.com.
 

New York -- The largest national retailer in New York City by store count, Dunkin’ Donuts has just inched further ahead with the opening of its 500th city location, a co-branded restaurant with Baskin-Robbins.

Located in Times Square, the restaurant features new Dunkin’ Donuts’ and Baskin-Robbins’ design concepts such as digital menu displays, updated furniture and lighting, electrical outlets, bar top areas for smartphones and computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access.

New York -- Uniqlo is expanding its U.S. footprint. The Japanese apparel retailer, a division of Fast Company, will open 10 more U.S. stores this fall, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.
 
The new locations, all in shopping centers, will bring the brand’s presence in the United States to a total of 17 sites.

The 10 new Uniqlo locations include:

Evansville, Ind. -- Value-priced footwear retailer Shoe Carnival will grand-open 12 stores in 11 different cities in July, bringing its store count to 367 stores in 32 states and Puerto Rico.

“We are excited to be growing rapidly across the country,” said Todd Beurman, senior VP marketing. New stores will open in: Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Lansing, Mich.; St. Louis; Greenville, N.C.; Cincinnati; Atlanta; Phoenix; Louisville, Ky.; and Grand Rapids, Mich.
 

Columbus, Ohio -- Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. has relocated to open a next-generation store in Easton Town Center’s new 40,000-sq.-ft. family friendly Fenlon Square, according to Stein + Associates and The Georgetown Company co-developers of Easton Town Center.

Virginia Beach, Va. -- Destination Maternity Corp. has leased 5,033 sq. ft. for a new flagship store in The Town Center of Virginia Beach, according to Divaris Real Estate.

Motherhood Maternity will close all of its locations in Southside Hampton Roads and move into the new Destination Maternity in September. The new store will carry all of the retailers concepts including Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod.