Real Estate

NEW YORK — A major renovation may be underway at Lululemon’s flagship store in Manhattan, but the fast growing retailer isn’t missing a beat.

The Vancouver, B.C.-based operator of 201 stores has set up a temporary store at 1142 Third Ave., across from its flagship location to satisfy the New Yorkers’ needs while the four-month renovation is underway.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Columbus, Ohio-based Glimcher Realty Trust announced Monday the acquisition of University Park Village, an open-air center located in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 173,220-sq.-ft. center is 97% occupied, generates sales of more than $800/sq. ft., and is tenanted by Apple, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Lululemon Athletica and Madewell, among others.

Glimcher purchased University Park Village for $105 million.

Dover, Del. -- Brixmor Property Group said that Party City will open a 12,000-sq.-ft. store at North Dover Shopping Center, located in Dover, Del.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of the shopping center.

Atlanta -- Wireless accessory retailer Cellairis said Tuesday it has opened its first in-line store at North Point Mall in Alpharetta, Ga.

Operating over 700 kiosks in malls across the country, the company is launching this new model in order to provide consumers with a more robust retail experience, it said.

The opening is the first in a company-wide initiative to implement a new store design, which features multimedia displays.

New York -- Canadian yoga apparel retailer lululemon athletica will open a four-month pop-up location on Third Ave., between 66th and 67th Streets in Manhattan, according to Douglas Elliman's Retail Group.
 
The former site of a Uniqlo pop-up shop, the space is on a block-front shared by Thierry Rabotin, Bare Escentuals, Caché, Canyon Beachwear and Arden B.

The retailer’s flagship, located across the street from the pop-up site, is currently being renovated, and the temporary location will ensure a continued presence.

By Ann Natunewicz, national manager, Retail Research, USA Retail Services Group

The outlet shopping experience has morphed from warehouse settings offering damaged and closeout merchandise to today’s centers that are designed to maximize customer flow and sell merchandise from the most exclusive international designers.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Monday that it has promoted Kristin Mueller to COO.

The firm also announced the establishment of new leadership roles, including the promotion of John Bemis and Geno Coradini to Retail Market Lead in Atlanta/Southeast and Dallas/Southwest, respectively.

West Des Moines, Iowa -- Convenience-store operator Kum & Go. opened 43 stores in nine states — more than double its previous record of 21 new stores in 2009 — in 2012, for a total of 430 stores in 11 states. The company plans to continue its growth strategy in the coming years.

“We’re not letting up,” president and CEO Kyle J. Krause said. “Our growth plan for the next five years is just as aggressive.”