Tenant Update

In a time of evolution and change, when buzz terms like right-sizing and asset management dominate retail real estate conversations, an unwavering focus on the tenant is more important than ever before. Chain Store Age talked with Jeff Kuchman, Principal/Director Tenant Brokerage, Mid-America Real Estate Corp., based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, about the company’s tenant representation business and how it has continued to take center stage.

Columbus, Ohio -- Washington Prime Group announced Tuesday it will acquire shopping center REIT Glimcher Realty Trust in a deal worth $4.3 billion.

Washington Prime Group, a Bethesda, Maryland-based REIT, and Glimcher will combine under a new name WP Glimcher, with headquarters remaining in the current Glimcher offices in Columbus, Ohio.

The newly combined company will remain publicly traded.

Philadelphia -- The Mills announced plans for a multimillion dollar renovation of Franklin Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the Philadelphia region. The redevelopment will transform the center into a completely new shopping experience, and the name of the property has been changed to Philadelphia Mills to herald the transformation.

Leading shopping center owner and operator DDR Corp. announced that CEO Daniel B. Hurwitz and the board of directors have decided not to renew his employment agreement, which expires December 31, 2015. It is anticipated that Hurwitz will remain CEO through 2015 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

York, Pa. - The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. will close its Carson’s Fox Valley Furniture Gallery in the Heritage Square Shopping Center in Naperville, Illinois. The company will not renew its lease, which terminates Jan. 31, 2015.

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR Corp. announced that CEO Daniel B. Hurwitz will be leaving the company next year, as he and the board agreed not to renew his employment agreement, which expires December 31, 2015.

According to DDR, Hurwitz is expected to remain CEO through 2015 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

Hurwitz was named CEO on January 1, 2010, after serving as the company’s president and COO for two years prior. He has worked for DDR in various senior executive capacities since June 1999.

New York - Amy Zhen has joined real estate services provider JLL and will serve as a senior VP working on the team lead by vice chairman Bob Gibson. Zhen is tasked with developing and executing leasing strategies for the firm’s retail investor and owner clients’ assets.

NEW YORK — 18 | 8 Fine Men's Salons has leased its first New Jersey locations in Somerset and Essex Counties. Winick Realty Group New Jersey broker Alison Cohen, the exclusive broker for 18|8 Fine Men's Salons in New Jersey, represented the salon in both transactions.