Real Estate

David’s Bridal enters into its first franchise agreement
David’s Bridal is expanding south of the border.

The bridal and special occasion retailer is partnering with Diltex, a leading manufacturer and retailer of intimate apparel in Mexico, to open its first franchise location, in Mexico City.

The store is expected to open by the end of 2016 with additional franchise locations planned to open over the next five years across the country.
Aeropostale files Chapter 11; store closings include exit from Canada
In a move rumored for weeks, Aéropostale on Wednesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The struggling teen apparel retailer said it would close 113 stores in the United States and all 41 of its stores in Canada. Store closing sales in the United States will begin this weekend (May 7-8), and in Canada during the week of May 9.

Different kind of deli expands in Northeast

The fast-casual restaurant chain McAlister’s Deli has opened its first store in the New York City area, a market where residents know a thing or two about delis.
Hancock leases offer other retailers new growth prospects

With rental rates rising, expansion minded retailers have a unique opportunity to satisfy their growth aspirations by capitalizing on below market rates available at nearly 200 former Hancock Fabric locations.
Report: Teen retailer on brink of Chapter 11

Aeropostale will reportedly file for bankruptcy protection this week and subsequently close more than 100 of its 800 stores, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The struggling teen apparel retailer plans to reorganize under a Chapter 11 filing this week ahead of May rent payments, the report said. On Aeropostale has been struggling for some time. The chain has recorded three consecutive years of losses as its struggles to deal with a teen audience whose spending tastes now favor fast-fashion giants such as H&M as well as online retailers.
Another retailer to explore strategic alternatives

Build-A-Bear Workshop on Tuesday said it has hired financial and legal advisers to help it explore strategic alternatives. The news came the day after General Nutrition Corp. (GNC) said it was doing the same.
Retailers making Miracle Mile moves

There is a lot of tenant activity going on at the Miracle Miles Shops in Las Vegas with several notable retailers expanding, renovating and growing new concepts.
JLL makes key hires to expand SoCal retail efforts

Photo: Erik Westedt, left, and Scott Kaplan have joined JLL’s growing Southern California team.
Party City begins 80 store expansion – in Mexico

The first Party City location has opened in Mexico and with the help of strategic franchise partner Grupo Oprimax a total of 80 locations are planned.
Saks opens 100th Off 5th location; affirms urban strategy

The opening of the newest Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th location near downtown Chicago is a big deal literally and figuratively.

The newest Off 5th is located in the NEWCITY development at Lincoln Park on the northern fringe of downtown Chicago at 1457 Halsted Street at the intersection of North Clybourn Avenue. The store is the company’s 100th Off 5th location in North American, its seventh in Illinois and the second in downtown Chicago following the April 14 opening of the first location as 6 S. State Street.
Bidding begins for Sport Chalet stores

Prime retail real estate in Southern California and nearby states is now available after bankrupt Sport Chalet retained A&G Realty Partners to sell its assets.
GNC exploring options — including sale

GNC Holdings Inc. announced Monday it is undertaking a strategic review whose options could include a sale of the company.

The health-and-wellness retailer said it is also considering accelerated refranchising strategies, partnerships and other collaborations, and capital structure optimization. The announcement comes on the heels of disappointing first quarter results.