Real Estate

Seattle -- New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Seattle, top the list of the strongest retail real estate markets, according to Colliers International’s “Third Quarter 2011 North American Retail Highlights” report. The weakest markets include Phoenix, Detroit, Atlanta and Las Vegas, which continue to experience vacancy rates at or above 15%.

INDIANAPOLIS — Electronic retailer Hhgregg reported net income of $6 million for the second quarter ended Sept. 30, or 16 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.9 million, or 10 cents per diluted share, for the comparable prior-year period. According to the company, the increase in net income for the second quarter was the result of an increase in net sales due to the net addition of 35 stores during the past 12 months and a comparable-store sales increase of 1.5%.

New York City -- Apple will spend $900 million on its stores in fiscal 2012, up from $614 million this year, according to Tech Observer, which cited a new research note from UBS analyst Maynard Um.

The report also said that that Apple plans to give shoppers the ability to complete their own in-store purchases via its iOS application for the iPhone. The new application will apply only to accessories and on-the-shelf items, and not more costly item like the iPhone, iPad, or Macs.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea announced on Wednesday plans to install solar energy panels at three additional U.S. locations, bringing the number of Ikea U.S. stores with a solar program to 23 – more than half of the home-furnishing retailer’s domestic presence.

Savannah, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced Tuesday a 4,800-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Shoe Show at Victory Square, located in Savannah, Ga.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Victory Square.
 

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said Tuesday that Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry has signed a long-term lease for its 954-sq.-ft. flagship store at 485 Park Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The new store is scheduled to open in early November.
 

Farmington Hills, Mich. -- Pet Supplies “Plus” said Tuesday that Donna Capichano Simmons has joined the company as senior VP real estate.

Capichano Simmons, who was previously VP real estate development for Kohl’s, is charged with refining and implementing PSP’s real estate growth strategy.
 

New York City -- RCS Real Estate Advisors said Tuesday it has been retained by bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston to facilitate the closing of its business.

According to Ivan L. Friedman, president and CEO of RCS, the company will facilitate the closing of all 20 Priscilla of Boston locations, effective Dec. 31, by negotiating cost-effective lease terminations or locating replacement tenants.

Priscilla of Boston announced its closing in early September.