Retail

New York — Vornado Realty Trust plans to spin off nearly 16.1 million sq. ft. of shopping center assets into a new publicly traded REIT by the end of 2014, leaving the company with a largely office-centric portfolio, according to SNL Real Estate.

The move will simplify Vornado’s investment strategy and enable the company to focus on the ownership of office assets in the Washington, D.C., and New York City regions, including the high-value Manhattan office over retail assets.

Sierra Vista, Ariz. — The Realm Salon, an approved Aveda Salon, is opening a new 1,500-sq.-ft. full-service salon in Indian Hills Plaza in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The new salon plans to open by June 1.

First West Properties Corporation represented the tenant in the transaction. Commercial Retail Advisors represented the landlord, Indian Hills Investors.

New York — Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph Aquino, executive VP, of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group have arranged a first New York flagship for luxury apparel and accessories brand Peter Millar on Madison Avenue, between 54th and 55th Streets.

"This label is a perfect fit for the Madison and Worth Avenues of the world," said Consolo.

Consolo and Aquino represented the landlord, E PLUS E LLC, and Hanley Advisors represented the tenant.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- The Michigan Small Business Development Center is honoring a Sears Appliance & Hardware store located in Big Rapids, Mich., with its 2013 Best Small Business Award for creating jobs, increasing sales and improving business strategy. The retailer was one of a dozen stores chosen from more than 5,500 small businesses throughout the state that the Michigan Small Business Development Center provided confidential counseling and training to in 2013.

Virginia Beach, Va. — Realty Resources has announced that several firms have joined the nationwide alliance of commercial real estate brokerage firms.

Grand Forks, N.D. -- Acme Tools, an authorized online retailer of tools and equipment, is launching a new mobile version of AcmeTools.com for online customers using smartphones. Developed by BlueSky Technology Partners, the new mobile platform leverages Acme Tools' ongoing investment in IBM WebSphere Commerce to deliver a seamless online shopping experience.

Arlington, Va. — Simon Property Group has announced details of a multi-phase renovation and expansion at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, Va. Anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s, The Fashion Centre is home to more than 170 stores.

Woonsocket, R.I. - CVS/pharmacy is launching a new service called Bill Pay at CVS/pharmacy in spring 2014 to help customers manage their monthly health insurance premiums. Members of participating health plans can bring their insurance bills to any CVS/pharmacy store in the U.S. to pay their premiums at no additional cost.