Real Estate

New York City -- Starbucks Corp. is closing in on its retail deal with India’s Tata Coffee Ltd., which makes and exports instant coffee and plantation coffee, Reuters reported.

Tata Coffee plans to open a Starbucks coffee shop by the end of this year, the report said.

Richardson, Texas -- Wingstop said Wednesday that it has signed two development agreements that will result in 14 new restaurants in the Chicago area.

The multi-unit development agreements include a three-store deal with an existing franchise group and an 11-store deal with Chicagoland Wing Kings.

“We expect to double our presence in the area over the next two to three years," said Bev Rich, senior director of franchise development, Wingstop.

Wingstop currently has 19 restaurants in the Chicago area.

New York City -- Menards is considering a new store in a Springfield, Mo., shopping mall -- as long as it isn’t included in the development’s community improvement district (CID), according to an article in the Springfield News Leader.

The Eau Claire, Wis.-based home improvement chain is planning a 162,000-sq.-ft. store in the Hickory Hills Marketplace, which levies a 1% tax on tenants to help pay back the cost of public improvements at the development.

Pasadena, Calif. -- The Disney Store announced Tuesday that it will open new stores with its new design in Japan, China, Italy, North America and Canada by the end of 2012. According to the company, the store opening slate includes an inaugural location in Shanghai, China opening in the fall, making it the 12th country to receive the interactive retail model.

Thirteen new and remodeled Disney Store locations are scheduled to open in North America in 2012, include state concept debuts in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Utah and Virginia.

Atlanta -- Aaron's announced that Jeannie M. Cave has been hired as the company's new VP real estate and construction. She will be responsible for a number of activities including the development of strategies that support Aaron's real estate goals and the management of the company's real estate portfolio for both company-operated and franchised stores.

Cave brings 10 years of leadership experience from Cox Enterprises.
 

Springfield, N.J. -- Luxury watch maker Tag Heuer opened its second North American flagship boutique, an 800-sq.-ft. space in Aventura Mall, Aventura, Fla.

The store is designed as a "lifestyle lounge" and is adorned with Tag Heuer accessories that range from vintage stainless steel cufflinks to the brand's technologically advanced eyewear and communication devices.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie said Friday that its CEO Peter Lynch will step down, as the supermarket chain merges with Bi-Lo LLC. Current Bi-Lo chairman Randall Onstead will replace Lynch as CEO.

Lynch said in a letter to employees that he will remain for another 60 to 120 days to assist in the transition.

Bi-Lo purchased Winn-Dixie for $560 million in December.
 

Boston -- City Sports plans to relocate its store in Suburban Square, Ardmore, Pa., into the space previously occupied by Talbots. The new location, at 8,000 sq. ft., will accommodate upgrades planned for a refreshed and fully integrated shopping experience, including the brand's new women's concept.

Boise, Idaho -- Albertsons LLC plans to close four underperforming stores: one in Arizona, one in Louisiana and two in Texas.

The closings will leave Albertsons with 205 stores in the Southwest and the South.

The Germans didn’t know the precise landing point of the allied of invasion of Europe, but Walmart now knows where Target plans to launch its assault on the Canadian market.