Development/Redevelopment

At the back of the new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Reading, Pa., is a self-serve café setup with a sign that proclaims: “The Pot’s Always On. Have a free cup of coffee on us, and if you like, use two sugars … it’s been a pretty good year!”

From the sounds of things, there hasn’t been a bad year since the first Ollie’s opened in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in 1982.

El Dorado, Ark. -- Murphy Oil USA announced Wednesday it has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for 200 new fuel stations in the midwestern and southeastern U.S.

According to the agreement, Murphy Oil will build more than 200 new fuel stations at existing Wal-Mart Super Centers over the next three years.

Steven Cosse, president and CEO, Murphy Oil Corp., said the agreement with Wal-Mart is a significant step forward for the pair’s long-term relationship.

Chicago -- The value and luxury classes of retail will supply the most construction opportunities in 2013, according to a forecast by Englewood Construction. The Lemont, Ill.-based commercial builder also predicted an uptick in restaurant development and a squeeze on middle-market retail.

The Woodlands, Texas -- Conn’s announced the opening of three Conn’s HomePlus stores in El Paso and Fort Worth, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.

The new Conn’s HomePlus store format showcases furniture and mattresses in addition to the leading brands and the latest technologies in consumer electronics and home appliances.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group, which operates the Maurices and dressbarn banners, said Tuesday it will launch a 760,000-sq.-ft. distribution center expansion in central Ohio.

Upon completion, the new facility will distribute apparel and accessories for its lineup of brands, which also includes Justice & Brothers, Lane Bryant and Catherines.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea has received the green light from Merriam’s city council to go ahead with its Kansas City-area store.

Pending the land purchase, permits and demolition of on-site buildings, construction of Ikea Merriam can begin summer 2013, with the store opening fall 2014.

Merriam, Kansas -- Shopping center owner and developer DDR Corp., based in Beachwood, Ohio, said Tuesday it will sell 22 acres of land to Ikea Property for the construction of Ikea’s first store in Kansas, located in the Kansas City bedroom community of Merriam, Kan.
 
Ikea confirmed Tuesday that the City Council of Merriam has unanimously approved plans for this project, following last month's approval from the city's Planning Commission.
 

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced that it plans to open a Nordstrom Rack in downtown Washington, D.C., at the 1800 L Street, NW building. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in spring 2013.

The retailer also plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at Columbia Crossing in Columbia, Md., a shopping center that is owned and operated by Kimco Realty Corp. The approximately 40,750-sq.-ft. store is expected to open in spring 2013.