Development/Redevelopment

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market Inc. reported Wednesday that profit for the first quarter rose a better-than-expected 33% to $118.3 million amid increased customer visits and higher prices on select items. On a follow-up conference call with analysts, the chain revealed it has 69 new stores in development, or 2.4 million square feet, in development.

Dublin, Ireland -- Multiple reports on Thursday said that search giant Google plans to open its first stand-alone retail store, at its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

The company last year in London tested a 285-sq.-ft. in-store shop where consumers could try out and buy Chromebooks and a few accessories. Located in a computer store, the in-store shop was open for approximately three months.

According to the reports, the Google store would be open to the public and would sell various Google merchandise.

New York City -- Glimcher Realty Trust announced the completion of a 4.8-megawatt rooftop solar system at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, N.J. The project, which ranks among the largest rooftop systems in North America, broke ground in June 2011 and began producing power this week.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with a newly formed subsidiary of Sizzling Platter, LLC (Sizzling Donuts, LLC) for 11 new restaurants in Denver, and eight in El Paso, Texas.

The company also acquired two additional existing restaurants in El Paso.
 

Sparks, Md. -- Spice and flavoring company McCormick and Co. will open its first-ever retail location, McCormick World of Flavors, at Harborplace in Baltimore.

The 3,800-plus-sq.-ft. store will display McCormick’s full line-up of products along with interactive and educational displays. Visitors will be invited to chart their personal flavor profile and explore the origins of spices, among other activities. The space will also include a demonstration area where McCormick's own chefs and celebrity chefs will cook using McCormick flavors.

Dallas -- 7-Eleven said Tuesday it has completed its acquisition of 55 Sam’s Mart stores in the greater Charlotte, N.C., area, part of the c-store operator’s plan to accelerate its growth in the region.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Wal-Mart Stores isn’t about to let the grass grow under its feet in Canada. The discounter plans to spend about $753 million this fiscal year to expand its store presence in Canada, before rival Target Corp. begins its push in the country.

Salt Lake City -- Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Taubman Co. said Tuesday that City Creek Center, a major shopping and dining destination, will open March 22 in Salt Lake City.

The 700,000-sq.-ft. regional attraction will feature Nordstrom, Macy’s and up to 80 stores and restaurants — one third that are new to the market. The center features a fully retractable skylight roof, a skybridge over Main Street and a host of water features.