Tenant Update

James Island, S.C. -- Brixmor Property Group announced that Burke’s Outlet has opened a 26,680-sq.-ft. store at Island Plaza, located in James Island, S.C.

Island Plaza is owned by Brixmor, based in New York City.
 

Covington, La. -- Stirling Properties announced it has promoted Chris Abadie to VP and manager of the Commercial Brokerage Division after 11 years as a sales and leasing executive with the company.

In his new role, Abadie will oversee all aspects of commercial operations throughout each of Stirling Properties brokerage offices located in Louisiana and Mississippi. 
 

As the International Council of Shopping Centers’ New York Deal-Making Conference in New York City quickly approaches, it seems appropriate to zero in on the world’s No. 1 retailing market. Chain Store Age talked with Ivan Friedman, president and CEO of New York City-based RCS Real Estate Advisors about the Dec. 5-6 conference, and the state of retail in the Big Apple and its surrounding region.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming NY ICSC show?

Mobile, Ala. -- Brixmor Property Group announced that Ulta has opened a 12,017-sq.-ft. store at Springdale Mall, located in Mobile, Ala.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Springdale Mall.
 

Charlotte, N.C. -- CNL Crosland Commercial Real Estate announced two new tenant signings and an expansion for an existing retailer at Blakeney, a retail shopping center in south Charlotte, N.C.

Flywheel Sports is slated to open at Blakeney in January. Accessory boutique Bijuju opened earlier in November, and Creative by Nature Home doubled its square footage and moved into a new space in September.

Seattle -- Nordstrom said Friday it will shutter its underperforming University Mall store in Orem, Utah. The 122,000-sq.-ft. store is slated to close on Feb. 24.

The store, which opened March 29, 2002, didn’t perform to company standards, according to Nordstrom.

By industry estimates, concrete-slab moisture-related floor-covering failures cost retailers, building owners and contractors more than $1 billion every year. But it’s not just new spaces that present a challenge in this regard. With infill the name of the game in retail development, retailers that open stores in existing spaces also need to be on full alert to the potential for flooring problems.

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by CBRE Group said that New York City remains the world’s most expensive shopping destination as retailers focus on the major fashion capitals.

“Retailers continued to expand their store networks to gain market share during the third quarter despite concerns regarding consumer confidence,” said Anthony Buono, CBRE executive managing director of retail services.