Real Estate

Discount grocer on fast-track
Aldi is expanding its fledgling footprint in Southern California.

On Thursday, April 21, the grocer will open six stores in Los Angeles County, three in Orange County and one store in San Bernardino County.

The April openings are part of Aldi’s plan to open approximately 45 stores in Southern California by the end of 2016, eight of which opened last month.

Currently, Aldi operates nearly 1,500 U.S. stores in 33 states.
Petco on track with store expansion
Specialty retailer Petco will open seven new stores in April as part of its 2016 growth plan, which includes 20 new store openings year-to-date.

In addition to the seven new locations, the retailer is also expanding one location to accommodate growth in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and remodeling seven stores in San Antonio.

Hot fashion brand signs on for Howard Hughes’ Seaport District

Howard Hughes Corp. has added a fast-growing Dutch fashion brand to its lineup for its Seaport District revitalization project in lower Manhattan.

The developer has signed a lease with Scotch & Soda to set up shop in the shopping area which, when completed, will encompass seven buildings on several city blocks totaling over 365,000 sq. ft., with a mix of dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings.
Starbucks to go really, really big in New York City

Starbucks will open its largest location in the world, a 20,000-sq.-ft. store, in one of Manhattan’s trendiest areas.

The coffee giant is bringing its new Roastery store format to the Meatpacking District, opening at 61 Ninth Ave., a new nine-story building that is currently under development. The building is close to Chelsea Market.
Report: Another teen apparel retailer considering bankruptcy filing

The rise of fast-fashion, changing fashion tastes and online commerce may be claiming another teen apparel retailer.

Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Bloomberg, which cited people with "knowledge of the situation.” The report said the filing could occur as early as next week.
Macy’s adds real estate expert to its exec team

Amid ongoing pressure from investors to maximize the value of its real estate holdings, Macy’s has appointed Douglas W. Sesler as executive VP for real estate, effective April 5.
Staples puts stores to work with new test

Staples is looking to connect with a key customer segment and improve the productivity of its selling space with a new pilot program involving shared workspace provider Workbar.
Speedy meals, green design mark Chick-fil-A’s newest Manhattan eatery

Just five months after making its Manhattan debut with the opening of its largest restaurant to date, Chick-fil-A has opened a second outpost in the Big Apple.
Home furnishings retailer heading West

Crate and Barrel is going to try its luck in Nevada.

The home furnishings retailer has signed a lease to open a store at Downtown Summerlin, Summerlin, Nevada, a Howard Hughes Corp. development. The 106-acre retail and entertainment center is located in the Summerlin master planned community.
Department store giant continues to expand outlet store formats

Macy’s announced it will open a new Bloomingdale's Outlet store in November 2016 at The Outlets at Orange, in Orange, California.

The 24,000-sq.-ft. store will be the 17th Bloomingdale's Outlet location and offer a range of off-price apparel and accessories for men, women and children.
Ulta Beauty adds new Chicago office

Ulta Beauty plans to open an amenity-filled satellite office at desirable downtown Chicago location to complement its existing headquarters facility in a remote suburb.
Report: H-E-B plans two-story food shop

H-E-B is planning to build a two-story grocery store in Bellaire, Texas, featuring the latest in food market retailing to open in the fall of 2017, Fox 7 reported Wednesday.

"We have enjoyed our Bellaire neighbors for the past 22 years and look forward to bringing them a store tailored to their needs filled with stellar features and products that will enhance their shopping experience for years to come," Scott McClelland, H-E-B Houston president, told Fox 7.