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Report: U.S. strip-mall vacancy rate declines
New York -- The average vacancy rate at strip malls across the United States edged down for the first time in nearly seven years in the first quarter, falling to 10.9% from 11% in the prior quarter, according to preliminary data by real-estate research company Reis Inc., Reuters reported. It was the first decline in nearly seven years.
But the firm warned consumer spending is still not strong enough to lift retail real estate out of its slump.
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Uniqlo to open in San Francisco
New York -- Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo will open its first store on the West Coast, in a 29,000-sq.-ft. space in San Francisco, this fall, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Uniqlo is also looking for locations in Los Angeles and other California cities, according to the report. To date, the company has opened three U.S. stores, all in New York City.