Microsoft

The quest to be a leader in unified commerce remains on top of retailers’ to-do lists. And those companies that tap the power of drones could be positioning themselves to become leaders in the game.

A process that breaks down operational silos, unified commerce requires retailers to transform their organization, business processes and technology to align with customer demands. The result: the ability to drive a top-notch, frictionless, non-frustrating and valuable customer experience.

Macy’s has sold a fee-simple ground lease underlying The Shops on Lake Avenue in Pasadena that is shadow-anchored by one of its active stores. The sale to a private investor from San Diego was handled by Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors.   The ground lease does not include the Macy’s store, but does take in tenants including T.J.Maxx, Trader Joe’s, Ross Dress for Less, Williams-Sonoma, Talbot’s Jos. A Bank, and Orvis.  

Macerich, Simon, and Westfield have all signed on for a new service that accepts returns of online purchases at their malls as a way to win a bigger share of Web-shopper’s dollars at their properties.  

Dalton Street Properties has acquired East Side Plaza, a Michaels-anchored center in Shreveport, Louisiana for $8.95 million. Other tenants at the 78,761-sq.-ft. center include Guitar Center, Dollar Tree and Cato.   “The East Side Plaza sale was a significant win for both parties, allowing the seller to exit a non-focal market while providing the purchaser with a high-quality asset,” said Fred Victor, VP of Transwestern, who brokered the sale on behalf of the seller, Eastside Dunhill.

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Regency Centers has promoted 14-year veteran Michael Mas to managing director of finance. In this role, he will oversee capital markets, co-investment partnerships, investor/lender relations, underwriting, and due diligence of new investments and information technology.   Mas was senior VP of capital markets prior to the promotion and earlier directed financial and operational aspects of joint ventures for the Jacksonville-based owner, operator, and developer of grocery-anchored centers.  

Seven out of 10 commercial real estate executives believe that the Trump administration will have a positive impact on their business in 2017.   Seyfarth Shaw, one of the most active real estate law firms in the U.S., polled 151 owners, developers, and brokers and found them bullish on the embattled President. They foresee efforts in deregulation, tax reform, and the potential dismantling of Dodd-Frank as aiding their causes.  

Ron Rubin resigned his post as chairman of the board of PREIT and will be succeeded in that role by CEO Joseph Coradino. His departure was expected, having been announced last month.  

Bartaco, an expanding food and beverage concept that combines beer, fresh-squeezed juices, and yes, tacos, will debut in Texas at Trademark Property’s WestBend development in Fort Worth.   The mixed-use facility just completed construction on its first phase, which includes office as well as retail space and aims to create a new hub of activity near the campus of Texas Christian University. It features new landscaping, gathering areas along the Trinity River and Trinity Trails, along with a rotating public art program.