Real Estate

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by commercial real estate firm C.B. Richard Ellis said that 59% of U.S. retailers plan to open more stores due to the attractive rental rates available in the current market environment.

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates said Tuesday it has secured the first U.S. location for upscale designer footwear brand Nicholas Kirkwood at 807 Washington St. in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Located between Gansevoort and Horatio Streets, the 1,572-sq.-ft. ground-floor boutique is scheduled to open in the winter of 2012.

San Jose, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in San Jose, Calif., to a new concept by Petco at Snell & Branham Plaza.

Specializing as a smaller neighborhood Petco store with pet supplies, products and pet food, Unleashed by Petco has leased 4,467 sq. ft. of space. The business is slated to open in fall 2011, bringing the center to 97% leased.

Redwood City, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space to Pier 1 Imports at Sequoia Station, located in Redwood, Calif., bringing the shopping center to 100% leased.

Pier 1 leased 11,898 sq. Ft. and is slated to open in February 2012.

The 102,848-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Safeway alongside national retailers such as Old Navy, CVS/pharmacy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Johnny Rockets.
 

Dickson City, Pa. -- Conshohocken, Pa.-based Metro Commercial announced Tuesday that it has brokered a 52,450-sq.-ft. lease for Hobby Lobby Stores at Kohl’s Plaza in Dickson City (Lackawanna County), Pa., about eight miles northeast of Scranton.

Construction on the space is currently underway and the new location is expected to open in February 2012.

The new location is Hobby Lobby’s fifth in Pennsylvania.
 

Richardson, Texas -- Restaurant chain Wingstop said it has executed development agreements with franchise operators to open 15 new Wingstops in the Atlanta market.

Three development agreements, including an 11-store deal with Tomahawk Brands LLC, will allow the Texas restaurant chain to expand its Atlanta presence from two locations to 17. The first unit under the new agreements is slated to open in early 2012.

NEW YORK — Lord & Taylor unveiled a new concept called Lord & Taylor Home on Friday, at Fashion Center shopping center in Paramus, N.J.  A second location, in Shrewsbury, N.J., is expected to open in several weeks. Lord & Taylor is owned by NRDC Equity Partners, which also owns Canada’s Hudson Bay Co.

In Fall 2001, Steiner + Associates and Georgetown Co. completed the second phase of mixed-use trendsetter in Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio -- and a decade later, the 1.7-million-sq.-ft. development stands as testament that the right project in the right location with the right uses can survive even the most trying economic conditions.

Chain Store Age talked with Yaromir Steiner, CEO of Columbus-based Steiner + Associates, about Easton’s staying power during a recession, and its continued evolution as it strives to remain relevant.