REAL ESTATE

Watchung, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet has leased 8,500 sq. ft. at Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung, N.J., becoming the latest eatery to join the 419,000-sq.-ft. retail property.

The free-standing restaurant will open in early 2013.

Levin Management is the shopping center’s leasing and managing agent. Blue Star is anchored by Kohl's, ShopRite, Marshalls (which recently extended its long-term lease), Michaels and Toys "R" Us.

Sao Paolo, Brazil -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that Brazilian grocer Grupo Pão de Açúcar – the country’s largest retailer – plans to open 100 new mini stores in 2013. The small-format concept is called Minimercado Extra, according to CFO Vitor Fagá.

The Minimercardo Extra format of small neighborhood supermarkets will continue to be the focus of the group's growth, according to Fagá. The company is also working to expand its presence in Brazil's northeast and center-west regions.

Charleston, W.Va. -- Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises and Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Co. announced the completion of the six-month, $7-million renovation of the jointly owned Charleston Town Center, located in Charleston, W.Va.

The comprehensive renovation included new surfaces, furnishings, Center Court floor plan and fountain, color palette, signs and banners and restrooms. A new 10-year sponsorship with Charleston Area Medical Center added a new indoor playscape, new family restroom, and other center amenities.
 

Oxnard, Calif. -- Brixmor Property announced a 3,000-sq.-ft. Chipotle restaurant recently opened at Esplanade Shopping Center, located in Oxnard, Calif. 

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Esplanade Shopping Center.
 

Hamilton Twp., N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that mattress retailer Sleepy’s has joined the tenant roster at Hamilton Plaza in Hamilton Twp., marking continued progress at the 175,425-sq.-ft. shopping center.

Levin Management, which serves as the property’s leasing and managing agent, credits a multi-million-dollar renovation, completed less than one year ago, for enhancing its appeal and occupancy.

Milwaukee -- Opus Development Corp. has announced the sale of phase II of The Shoppes at Fox River retail center as well as an adjoining 12.2 acres of land in Waukesha, Wis., to Ramco Gershenson Properties Trust for an undisclosed sum.

The sale closing occurred on Dec. 13, 2012.

The Shoppes at Fox River phase II broke ground in May 2012 and totals more than 47,000 sq. ft. of retail space spanning six acres. Tenants include T.J. Maxx, Ulta, Rue21 and Charming Charlie.

Alameda, Calif. -- Jamestown, owner of Alameda South Shore Center, located in Alameda, Calif., announced that Weight Watchers and apparel retailer Bay 6 have signed leases at the open-air, regional shopping center.
 
Weight Watchers leased 1,225 sq. ft. and opened in early November between Massage Envy and European Wax Center. Bay 6 recently opened in 4,655 sq. ft.

Columbus, Ohio -- Steiner + Associates announced Monday that American Girl will open an 11,500-sq.-ft. store at its Easton Town Center property, located in Columbus, Ohio.

The American Girl store – a division of Mattel – is slated to open in 2013.

“Easton has grown to more than a half a billion dollars in annual sales in just a decade and it’s been our ability to upgrade, evolve and expand our great tenant mix that has driven that success,” said Yaromir Steiner, CEO, Steiner + Associates.