Simon Property Group

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that Brazilian shoe and accessories retailer has opened its first U.S. store at the Town Center at Boca Raton, located in Boca Raton, Fla.

This opening marks Santa Lolla’s 105th location worldwide.

“We see Florida as an important part of our future expansion strategy and are very excited about the opening of our first U.S.-based boutique,” said Marcela Bussamra, marketing director for Santa Lolla.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores has signed a letter of intent with Simon Property Group for the 135,000-sq.-ft. former Mervyn's facility located in the Southdale Center in Edina, Minn.

Remodeling of the site is expected to begin in March and be completed in November, at which time Bon-Ton will open a new store under its Herberger’s banner.
The new Herberger’s location will bring the total number of Herberger’s stores to six in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market.

Grapevine, Texas -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Kerri Bear has joined the management team at Grapevine Mills as director of marketing and business development.

Bear will be responsible for managing marketing, advertising and public relations programs, as well as selling in-mall media, securing sponsorships, coordinating promotional events and driving tourism.

Springfield, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said that Le Gourmet Chef has opened at its Springfield Mall property, located in Springfield, Pa.

The 3,650-sq.-ft. store is located on the lower level next to Macy’s.

Springfield Mall, featuring Target, Macy’s and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, is jointly owned by PREIT and Kravco Simon Investments, an affiliate of Simon Property Group.

In the February issue of Chain Store Age, in our focus on mall-based social media (page 52), we referenced a fourth quarter 2010 study by Alexander Babbage, entitled the “Shopping Center Social Media Benchmark Report.”

Following are more details about the study, which found that “social media tools and networks are making it easier for shopping centers to relay information, interact with customers and generally stay connected.” 

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said Wednesday that, effective Feb. 1, it will assume leasing, management and marketing duties at The Shops at Montebello, a Los Angeles-area shopping center.

The Shops at Montebello is a regional enclosed mall built in 1985 with approximately 758,000 sq. ft. The center is home to over 160 retailers and is anchored by Macy's, Macy's Home, J.C. Penney and Forever 21.

Indianapolis  -- Simon Property Group will assume leasing, management, and marketing duties at The Shops at Montebello, in Rosemead, Calif., effective Feb. 1.

"We are pleased to take on the property management functions of this high-quality asset at the request of the institutional owner," said Rick Sokolov, Simon's president and COO.

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Darren Shepherd has been named general manager of its Boynton Beach Mall property.

In his new position, Shepherd will be responsible for overseeing operations, customer relations, retail development and security for the mall.