Department Store

Seven hundred and fifty tons of plastic wrap — the equivalent of 1.5 million pounds — have been saved by Walmart China as a result of a simple change to warehouse operations.

The plastic savings were realized after Walmart developed a new system that involved reusable canvas belts to secure merchandise on pallets, thereby eliminating the need for one-time use plastic wrap. The canvas belt system is now in use at nine of Walmart’s distribution centers in China.

Aurora, Ill. — Simon has launched construction of its expansion of Chicago Premium Outlets, adding 50 new stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and including a comprehensive renovation of the Chicagoland center.

Birmingham, Mich. -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team, in cooperation with NAI Farbman, recently brokered the sale of The Willits Retail in Birmingham, Michigan. The 25,396-sq.-ft. asset was purchased by Southfield, Michigan-based Seligman Group.

The Willits Retail is located at the southeast corner of Willits Street and Bates Street in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. Willits features Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse, together with TD Ameritrade and Darakjian Jewelers.

New York - Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT), a New York-based real estate investment trust, has completed the acquisition of the ground and operating leases at 112 West 34th Street and the ground lease at 1400 Broadway for a total of approximately $734 million in cash, common stock and operating partnership units. 112 West 34th Street is a 26-story, 650,769-rentable-sq.-ft.office tower, with 92,455-sq.-ft. of retail space located in the 34th Street/Penn Station submarket.

Chicago — Capri Capital Partners has formed Capri Retail Advisors, an affiliate that will focus on retail opportunities in underserved and evolving retail trade areas in strategically selected major U.S. metropolitan markets.

Ross Glickman, former chairman and CEO of Urban Retail Properties, has been named president and CEO of the new affiliate. Ken Lombard, former president of the Starbucks in-store entertainment division and also former president of Magic Johnson’s urban retail real estate development company, is chairman and chief investment officer.

Flowood, Miss. — Inland Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. has purchased the 187,610-square-foot Dogwood Festival Shopping Center located in Flowood, Mississippi, approximately 10 miles northeast of Jackson, Mississippi.

Constructed in 2002, the center is 97.8% leased to 36 tenants, including T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Old Navy, Gap, Men’s Wearhouse, Hibbett Sports and several other national tenants. The property is shadow-anchored by Belk, an upscale department store, which was not acquired.

Dallas -- J.C. Penney Company announced the launch of a new back-to-school marketing campaign that celebrates self-expression, showing how the perfect fit inspires kids to stand out and feel one-of-a-kind. The campaign kicks off today with two television spots, "Stand Out" and "My Fit," as well as a Hispanic marketing spot.

East Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties said that Noodles & Company will be opening a new restaurant in November at the Levee District in East Peoria, Illinois.