Real Estate

Ikea ready to build its new Midwest hub
Ikea is moving ahead with its strategy to expand its footprint in the Midwest by finalizing plans on a massive new distribution center in Illinois.

The retailer has submitted final plans to the City of Joliet, Ill., that would advance the development of its previously approved main Midwestern distribution center.
Tractor Supply opens 1,400th store as part of aggressive expansion
Brentwood, Texas -- Tractor Supply Company will open its 1,400th store, in Eunice, Louisiana, on Feb. 21. The location is one 110 to 115 new stores the retailer plans to open this year.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating another milestone in Tractor Supply's growth story, with the opening of our 1,400thstore," said president and CEO Greg Sandfort. "We believe there is still tremendous expansion potential ahead, and we are excited for the opportunity to serve the rural lifestyle in new markets."

Amazing Lash Studio signs on new franchise partners; to add nearly 100 locations

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Amazing Lash Studio, a fast-growing franchisor of eyelash extension studios is starting 2015 by welcoming new regional developer partners who will open nearly 100 studios in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. This nearly doubles the coverage of the Amazing Lash Studio brand to 15 states across the country.

Franchise veterans Ren and Michelle Waters have partnered with Terry and Leslie Rock to develop 20 studios in the Nevada, Utah and Idaho regions for Amazing Lash Studio.
Ikea taps R&O Construction for new Las Vegas store

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea has chosen R&O Construction to serve as construction manager for the site work and store development of its future 351,000-sq.-ft. location in Las Vegas.

Pending remaining approvals, the project will continue on track for site work to commence this month, with groundbreaking during spring 2015. The store is scheduled to open in summer 2016.
Dunkin’ Donuts plans 46 new Indiana stores

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its presence in the Hoosier state. The company has signed multi-unit store development agreements with two existing franchise groups to develop 46 restaurants in Indiana during the next several years.
Icahn increases investment in EBay

New York – Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn has increased his investment holding in EBay Inc. In his regulatory filing for fourth quarter 2014, Icahn disclosed that he purchased about 446,000 shares of EBay.
Altamont Capital purchases Cotton Patch Café

Grapevine, Texas – Private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners has purchased specialty restaurant chain Cotton Patch Café, which operates 45 locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Kathy Nelson, CEO of Cotton Patch, participated in the investment and will continue in her role.

Altamont Capital also holds major investments in franchisees of the Taco Bell and Sonic Drive-In fast-food chains. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Tractor Supply plows ahead with expansion

Tractor Supply Company is marching ahead with plans for growth in 2015 by opening its 1,400th store.

The Eunice, La., location is scheduled to hold its grand opening celebration on Feb. 21, moving the retailer well past its Dec. 27 reading of 1,382 stores.
7-Eleven waives franchise fee for select corporate stores

Dallas - Between now and June 30, 7-Eleven Inc. will waive the franchise fee on a select number of its U.S. stores available for franchise, a savings of up to $80,000. The more than 200 available stores are located in cities across the country.

During the last four years 7-Eleven has grown its store base by more than 1,300 units. Now that a 7-Eleven customer base has been established at these locations, the company is looking to transition these stores to franchise operations.
Shake Shack opens first Japan store in 2016

New York - Together with its Japanese licensee Sazaby League Ltd., Shake Shack Inc. will open the first-ever Tokyo Shake Shack in 2016. Shake Shack and Sazaby League intend to open one store in Tokyo and 10 total stores in Japan through 2020.
Saks slates March opening for first store in Puerto Rico

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue will open its first store in Puerto Rico. The 100,000-sq.-ft., multi-level store opens in conjunction with the Mall of San Juan on March 26.

“There is great opportunity in San Juan – the demand for luxury retail from locals and tourists is thriving,” commented Marigay McKee, president of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Ross Dress for Less opens two Louisiana stores March 7

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in Louisiana on March 7. The stores are located in Juban Crossing in Denham Springs, and Magnolia Marketplace in central New Orleans.

With these new locations, Ross will operate 15 stores in Louisiana. Together, Ross Dress for Less and DD’s Discounts currently operate more than 1,300 off-price apparel and home fashion stores in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.