eCommerce

Miami — The Cheese Course, a European-style cheese shop and bistro, has leased 1,500 sq. ft. in the plaza of Miami’s Southeast Financial Center, Florida’s tallest and largest office tower and plaza, totaling 1.225 million sq. ft.

The newest tenant joins other South Florida dining favorites including Spris, and The Newsstand Café by Books & Books.

Chicago — Athletic shoe and apparel retailer ASICS has signed a 5,254-sq.-ft. lease in Chicago’s Bucktown area. According to RKF, who represented the landlord, 1630 Damen LLC c/o Jenel Management Corporation in negotiations for the long-term lease, this will be Asics’ first store in the Midwest and third in the United States when it opens early next year.  

Blatteis & Schnur represented Windsor Financial Group, an independent licensee of AsicsAmerica in negotiations.

New Canaan, Conn. -- Continuing a two-year slide in retail spending momentum, American shoppers will generate only a lackluster 2.9% rise in holiday sales, according to Customer Growth Partners’ 13th Annual Holiday Forecast. The CPG report paints a scenario that is decidedly less cheery than some of the other holiday forecasts that have been released to date.

By Craig Johnson, president, Customer Growth Partners

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us is expanding its point-based Rewards “R” Us loyalty program as it gears up for one of the most competitive holiday seasons in years. The added incentives include a first-ever, private pre-Black Friday incentive.

New York -- Century 21 Department Store has joined forces with retail concierge service Hobson to offer same-day delivery to hotels and homes in Manhattan from the retailer’s downtown flagship location.

Century 21 has enlisted retail concierge service Hobson to offer same-day delivery to hotels and homes in Manhattan from their downtown flagship location.

For “a small fee,” customers will be able to drop off their purchases at the Century 21 Hobson booth on the ground floor of the newly renovated store for guaranteed same-day delivery.

Specialty retailer J.Jill is preparing to roll out a redesigned store concept in four markets across the United States.

"The new approach to store design is based on our understanding of what is important to our customers. We want to delight her with our beautiful, versatile collections and inspire her confidence with our guiding service," said CEO and president Paula Bennett. "The new stores offer her a very warm welcome."

Oakland, Calif. -- GT Nexus announced that The Children's Place, the largest pure-play children’s specialty apparel retailer in North America, has selected its technology platform and services to enable its global supply chain and support business growth. The cloud-based platform will help Children’s Place, which operates 1,116 stores and an online store, automate and streamline ordering, manufacturing and transportation processes.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced that it plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at Gateway Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The approximately 33,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2014. Gateway Center is owned and managed by Related Companies.  

When it opens, the Gateway Center Nordstrom Rack will be the company's second Brooklyn location. The first Brooklyn Rack is set to open on Fulton Street in spring 2014.