Convenience Stores

By Bob Mason, [email protected]

Brussels, Belgium -- Delhaize Group announced on Monday that AllianceBernstein LP lifted its voting stake in the food retailer to 5.04%.

The New York asset manager, a member of France's AXA group, now holds 5.11 million Delhaize shares, compared with 3.73 million as of Oct. 5, Delhaize reported.

Cincinnati -- A Monday report by the Cincinnati Business Courier said that Kroger Co. is planning to spend about $15 million to renovate four stores in the Cincinnati area in 2011.

The grocery retailer said it plans to renovate stores in Westwood, Madeira and Montgomery, Ohio, as well as a store in Cold Spring, Ky.

The Westwood and Montgomery locations are scheduled for renovation in the first half of 2011, while Kroger is still finalizing the renovation plans for the Madeira and Cold Spring stores.

Northbrook, Ill. -- Pine Tree Commercial Realty announced it has acquired Loch Leven Plaza in the Orlando, Fla. suburbs, expanding Pine Tree’s portfolio to include the state of Florida.

The company purchased the Publix-anchored shopping center in Mt. Dora, Fla., on Nov. 5. Pine Tree will be handling the property management and leasing for the center.

Publix occupies 54,340 sq. ft. at the new plaza and opened last May. The center, which was completed in March, is 99% leased.

Santa Barbara, Calif. -- Investec announced it has raised $130 million for acquisition of grocery- and drug-anchored centers located in the coastal region of California.

Winter Park, Fla. -- Orlando, Fla.-based Crossman & Co. said that Publix will open a new store at Aloma Shopping Center, in Winter Park, Fla., on Nov. 18.

The original store was demolished last April and the newly constructed store has been expanded by more than 5,000 sq. ft. The new 47,000-sq.-ft. facility includes a liquor store.

Crossman & Co. has been overseeing the redevelopment of the property and handles the leasing and management at the shopping center. 

Charlotte, N.C. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant announced that Atherton Mill and Market will soon welcome several new tenants.

Vin Master will open a 1,661-sq.-ft. wine concept retail store at Atherton Mill. In addition to its permanent retail location in Atherton Mill, Vin Master will also become the first permanent vendor at the Atherton Farmers Market, located at the center.

Vin Master will open in first quarter 2011.