Department Store

Bloomfield Hills, Mich. -- Shopping center owner Taubman Centers reported Monday that its Taubman Asia division will acquire 90% controlling interest in TCBL Consulting Limited, a Beijing-based retail real estate consultancy with seven offices in mainland China.

Philadelphia -- Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that almost half-a-million sq. ft. of leasable space was signed or opened across its mall portfolio since the end of April.

According to PREIT, leases have been executed with J.C. Penney, Nordstrom Rack, Bravo Cucina Italiana and Forever 21 at Willow Grove (Pa.) Park, in the reconfigured space formerly occupied by Strawbridge’s.

It seems like everybody wants to get in the outlet business these days. In particular, there are a growing number of “traditional mall” developers that seem to be seriously considering -- or in some cases, actively pursuing -- the development of outlet centers or the conversion of existing traditional mall assets into outlets. On the heels of Gap’s announcement to close 200 of their full-price stores by 2013 and concentrate on expanding their Gap outlets and Banana Republic Factory Stores, I understand why developers are seriously thinking about outlet centers.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is bringing back its Backstage Pass campaign with even more engaging video content that delivers trend and helpful advice, straight from Macy’s stable of star designers and industry experts. In addition to essential tips, customers will have the chance to instantly win daily shopping sprees worth up to $500, wherever a Macy’s Backstage Pass appears, whether in-store, print or online.

Strength in the apparel category continued at Target during July, with same-store sales increasing just below the company average of 4.1%, positioning the company as a winner in a month where performance among competitors was uneven.

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Addison, Texas-based Coyote Management LP said that Jimmy John’s will open a 1,665-sq.-ft. sandwich shop at Chapel Hills Mall, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The new restaurant is slated to open this fall.

Chapel Hills Mall is a two-level, 1.2 million-sq.-ft. enclosed super-regional mall anchored by Dillard’s, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Burlington Coat Factory.
 

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is partnering with DoSomething.org to encourage students to make a difference in their communities. Launching on Aug. 8, the initiative will connect young people across the country with DoSomething.org and provide them volunteer opportunities in their area, the company reported.

Westfield shopping centers and the Westfield Family program have launched a “Give Back to School” community program, in which Westfield will donate $57,500 to the program by offering $2,500 to one school in each of 23 communities. The funds will be used to support such school programs as arts and music, sciences, physical education, libraries and technology resources.

Shoppers also will have the opportunity to help local students by donating new and gently used clothing or backpacks through a local community partnership with their Westfield shopping center.