Real Estate

I’ve written before about the ongoing trend of some of the biggest names in retail downsizing. Now I’m seeing how brands like Target, Wal-Mart and Office Depot are rolling out smaller new store formats in urban environments, and it has me thinking about how this downsizing phenomenon might be even more important than many people realize.

Willow Grove, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Soma Intimates will open a 2,369-sq.-ft. store this fall at Will Grove Park, located in Willow Grove, Pa.

Accessory boutique Laila Rowe will also open this fall, in a 1,181-sq.-ft. space.

Willow Grove Park is a three-level, 1.2 million-sq.-ft. regional shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Sears and Nordstrom Rack.
 

Lawrenceville, Ga. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that entertainment destination AirSport Indoor Sports Facility has opened at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville, Ga., near Atlanta.

This 20,000+-sq.-ft. location joins previously opened Black Diamond Skatepark, as well as a number of other retailers coming soon.
 

Thousand Oaks, Calif. -- NewMark Merrill Cos. said that Sweet Tooth Dental Center and Dish Restaurant will open at Janss Marketplace, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., bringing the center to 97% occupancy.

Dish Restaurant signed a 10-year lease for a 6,548-sq.-ft. space near Aaron Bros. and RadioShack. The new restaurant at Janss Marketplace, which is the second location for Dish, is slated to open in mid-Sept.

Sweet Tooth Dental Center signed a five-year lease and has opened in a 2,613-sq.-ft. space near Dressbarn and Payless Shoe Source.

Don’t let the grocery sector shake-ups fool you.

While there are individual failures, the category as a whole continues to find favor among developers that place a premium on having a traffic magnet in their shopping centers.

Rock Hill Galleria has unveiled plans for a number of large-scale developments slated for the 470,000-sq.-ft. regional mall. 

Entertainment destination Revolutions will open a 66,640-sq.-ft. location at Rock Hill Galleria, featuring 30 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a lazer maze and arena, bumper cars, arcade, restaurant and bar, sports theatre, plus live music and dancing. Opening is anticipated for winter 2012.

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties announced that Kellie Schmidt has been named corporate marketing manager for the company, charged with overseeing Cullinan’s brand presence, in addition to creating and executing marketing and communication strategies.

Moorestown, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Crazy 8 will open its Moorestown Mall property, located in Moorestown, N.J.

The 2,505-sq.-ft. store is slated to open this fall in the 1 million-sq.-ft. enclosed regional mall anchored by Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Sears and Boscov’s.