Real Estate

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said that An Pure Spa, an upscale nail and day spa, has leased its first New York City location at 207 Ninth Avenue.
       
The 1,965-sq.-ft. ground-floor space is accompanied by a 1,965-sq.-ft. basement.

Columbia, S.C. -- Edens & Avant announced it has named Ed Senenman as senior VP, investments for the company.
       
Senenman will be located in Edens & Avant’s new New York City office as the company continues to expand its NYC presence as part of an overall strategy of focusing on retail investments in major East Coast markets.
       
Senenman was previously senior director of acquisitions for Federal Realty.

Commack, N.Y. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that frozen dessert company D’Lites Emporium will open a new location at Mayfair Shopping Center, located in Commack, N.Y.

The 1,280-sq.-ft. store will join other food offerings in the center such as Outback Steakhouse, Ciao Baby, Good Taste Buffet, Bagel Boss, Kosher Market & Deli, and Original Brooklyn Pizza.

Henderson, Nev. -- New York City-based Centro Properties Group said that Rhaposdielle will open in Henderson, Nev.
       
The new 12,544-sq.-ft. store will debut at Galleria Commons, which is owned by Centro.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market's second-quarter net income rose 33% on strong sales, beating analyst expectations. The company raised its full-year earnings outlook.

Whole Foods said the overall results for the quarter were its strongest in five years. It has fully repaid its long-term debt and is considering using its growing cash balance to grow faster, raise its dividend and repurchase stock.

Warrendale, Pa. -- Apparel retailer Rue21 announced the opening of its 500th etc! store, in Franklin Mills, Pa. The etc! format was introduced five years ago to highlight the company's expanded accessories category, and has since been incorporated into all new Rue21 stores and remodels.

The five categories of etc! -- footwear, fragrance/beauty, accessories, jewelry, and the area brand of intimate apparel and sleepwear -- are merchandised together in approximately 1,000 sq. ft. within Rue21 stores and have been important in driving incremental sales.

I’m not much of a follower of astrology and the signs of the zodiac, but I do know that 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit on the Chinese calendar.

It seems somehow fortuitous that speed and agility define a year that is all about economic recovery. And retail is moving forward at a rate that, while not exactly hare-like, is at least faster than the proverbial tortoise.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores said that by the end of the year it will have invested the equivalent of approximately $756 million to expand its operations in Brazil.

Marcos Samaha, president of Wal-Mart's Brazilian subsidiary, said in a Tuesday statement that 1.2 billion reals ($755 million) will be used to build 80 stores, renovate existing locations and improve logistics.