Real Estate

Photo: left: Adam Zimel; right: Micah Kagan

Getting Dense

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. is preparing to open its first store in a new state.

GBT Realty Corporation, a national commercial development company headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, is developing the BJ’s Wholesale Club in South Carolina, in the city of Summerville. The $12 million development is situated on a 10.5-acre site. The 87,800-sq. ft. membership warehouse club that will feature a BJ’s gas station is expected to open in late 2016. Construction is set to commence immediately following the acquisition of the site in December.

Orchard Supply Hardware is still marching toward its expansion goal of 100 stores and $1 billion in sales by 2017. And the San Jose, California-based retailer with deep Golden State roots has learned a thing or two during its journey, according to president Bob Tellier.

The 76-store chain is actively upgrading its fleet into a shopper-friendly "neighborhood format" while finding a comfortable home in various urban locations.

Macy’s Inc. on Wednesday blamed warm weather, weak tourist traffic and excessive inventory for the company's worse-than-expected third quarter results. The company said it will not pursue spinning off its properties into a real-estate investment trust, but that it is studying real estate options for some of its most iconic stores.

Macy’s may be cutting back on the number of department stores in its portfolio, but the company is moving ahead with brick-and-mortar growth in other areas.

Over the next two years, Macy’s plans to open about 50 Macy’s Backstage stores in off-mall locations. The roll out builds on the launch of the off-price format this past September.

A 3,500-sq.-ft. rotunda “smart” skylight has been installed in the new grand entrance and event space at the nation’s largest shopping mall. The new space is part of Mall of America’s 750,000-sq.-ft. expansion.

The skylight is comprised of more than 300 panes of electronically tintable SageGlass, which controls sunlight to optimize daylight and enhance comfort by preventing glare and solar heat.

Bethesda, Md. -- EDENS announced the appointment of Rob Wyant as COO. Wyant brings over 30 years of experience in the retail real estate industry, with most of his career spent at General Growth and Westfield. He will use his vast knowledge in leasing, property managements, legal and tenant coordination functions, to inspire operational excellence at EDENS.

New York-based Janson Goldstein LLP has been tapped as the design firm for the Neiman Marcus store at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The firm has a wide-ranging practice that includes both residential, hospitality and retail work, with a roster of clients that includes Holt Renfrew, Intermix and Saks Fifth Avenue.