Convenience Stores

Melrose, Mass. -- Charter Realty and Development Corp. said it has acquired the 52,000-sq.-ft. Towers Plaza for $8.6 million.

The neighborhood shopping center, located in Melrose, Mass., a suburb of Boston, was originally built in 1965 and later renovated and expanded. It is anchored by Johnnie’s Foodmaster Supermarket and Rite Aid.  

Charter said it anticipates doing a façade renovation as well as upgrades to the common area. The work will commence this fall and continue in the spring.

Franklin Township, N.J. -- Crossroads Cos., based in Mahwah, N.J., announced that three new Crossroads at Somerset lease agreements have rendered the retail Phase II component of the grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping center fully occupied.

Integrated Health, La Vida Massage and and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital will join the 118,000-sq.-ft, mixed-use project, already tenanted by Verizon Wireless, My Tokyo Sushi, Let’s Yo Frozen Yogurt, Frank’s Pizza and Hair Cuttery.

New York -- Multiple reports on Monday suggested that private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, which owns the struggling Albertsons LLC, may be putting together a deal to buy all or part of the grocery chain.

Cerberus is said to be seeking $4 billion to $5 billion in debt financing from banks to back a bid and is looking at investing $800 to $900 in equity in its takeover quest, a person familiar with the matter is reported to have said. That same source cautioned that the figures could change.

WASHINGTON — A revised antitrust settlement on the issue of credit card swipe fees doesn't go far enough, The National Retail Federation said Friday. 

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties Group, developer of the East Peoria (Ill.) Downtown development, said Friday that Ross Dress for Less will open a 25,000-sq.-ft. junior-anchor store at the mixed-use project, joining previously announced Target, Costco, Ulta and Gordman’s.

Red Robin Gourmet Burger will open a 4,001-sq.-ft. restaurant and dental chain Heartland Dental Care will open in a 2,700-sq.-ft. space.

Washington, D.C. -- A revised antitrust settlement on the issue of credit card swipe fees doesn't go far enough, The National Retail Federation said Friday.

Baltimore, Md. -- New York City-based Brixmor Property Group said Walmart Supercenter at Liberty Plaza, in Randallstown (Baltimore), Md., grand-opened on Oct. 17 in 160,908 sq. ft.

Brixmor said that discussions with Walmart for the development of this supercenter began as early as 2004, as redevelopment efforts paved the way for the retailer.

Fort Lee, N.J. — Supermarkets are facing increased competition from dollar stores, according to a new survey from Perception Research Services International.