Development/Redevelopment

Seattle -- New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Seattle, top the list of the strongest retail real estate markets, according to Colliers International’s “Third Quarter 2011 North American Retail Highlights” report. The weakest markets include Phoenix, Detroit, Atlanta and Las Vegas, which continue to experience vacancy rates at or above 15%.

New York City -- Apple will spend $900 million on its stores in fiscal 2012, up from $614 million this year, according to Tech Observer, which cited a new research note from UBS analyst Maynard Um.

The report also said that that Apple plans to give shoppers the ability to complete their own in-store purchases via its iOS application for the iPhone. The new application will apply only to accessories and on-the-shelf items, and not more costly item like the iPhone, iPad, or Macs.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. said Monday it has appointed Subha Ramesh as senior VP real estate, effective immediately.

Ramesh, who will report to chief administrative officer Matt Appel, was previously senior VP of Hilco Real Estate. Prior to that, she spent eight years at Limited Brands as senior VP real estate and as VP real estate for Intimate Brands.

Savannah, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced Tuesday a 4,800-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Shoe Show at Victory Square, located in Savannah, Ga.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Victory Square.
 

Farmington Hills, Mich. -- Pet Supplies “Plus” said Tuesday that Donna Capichano Simmons has joined the company as senior VP real estate.

Capichano Simmons, who was previously VP real estate development for Kohl’s, is charged with refining and implementing PSP’s real estate growth strategy.
 

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said Tuesday that Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry has signed a long-term lease for its 954-sq.-ft. flagship store at 485 Park Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The new store is scheduled to open in early November.
 

York, Pa. -- As part of a real estate realignment strategy, The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. on Tuesday said it will close two of its department stores, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Ohio, when their leases expire in early 2012.

The company said it plans to close its store in the West Manchester Mall in York, Pa., in January, and its Elder-Beerman store in the Northwest Mall in Dayton, Ohio, which will shut down in February.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods will officially mark its entry into the state of Oklahoma on Nov. 2, with the opening of two stores in Tulsa, and one store in Broken Arrow.

In other news, Dick’s will open at Premier Center, Canton, Mich., on Nov. 2, and at Waters Place, Ann Arbor, Mich., on Nov. 4.