Department Store

Athletic wear giant Under Armour plans to open some 200 store in 2016, according to The Street. While the brand did not comment, the report said the expansion would likely include a mixture of store types, including outlet locations, “Brand House” stores, (the company’s full-price, experiential format) and in-store shops. [The Street]

Family-owned and operated Broadway Panhandler, in Manhattan’s East Village, is going out of business after 40 years in operation.

The cookware store has long been a cult fave among restaurant chefs and home cooks alike.

As to the reason, the owner cited health issues of his wife and said his attempts to sell the business were unsuccessful, according to the New York Times.

Belk is inviting couples engaged to be married to attend an Engagement Party during the month of February in the home department at their local store.

The promotional event will include displays of gift registry/wedding merchandise and feature refreshments, giveaways and drawings for prizes from Belk.

A timely acquisition helped Coach Inc.’s post a sales gain in the second quarter — its first quarterly increase in 10 quarters.

The handbag and accessories retailer’s total sales increased 4.0% in the quarter ended December 26, to $1.27 billion, up from $1.22 billion in the year ago period.

Oakbrook, Illinois -- Retail Properties of America announced that it has acquired two-properties to add to its portfolio, which include Merrifield Town Center II and Shoppes at Hagerstown, both located in the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. The properties were acquired through an off-market transaction, on an unencumbered basis, for a combined purchase price of $72.7 million.

Photo: Marvin Ellison, CEO, J.C. Penney

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team brokered the sale of Broadway Commons in Rochester, Minnesota. Austin, Texas-based Epic Real Estate Partners purchased the 140,578-sq. ft. property.

Broadway Commons is located at the northeast corner of South Broadway and US Highway 52. The center features national tenants including Bed Bath & Beyond, Dress Barn, DSW, Famous Footwear and Michael’s.