REAL ESTATE

Northbrook, Ill. -- Oakbrook, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that Saks has signed a lease for 25,900 sq. ft. at Village Square of Northbrook in Northbrook, Ill., to open its third Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store in Chicagoland.

The store, which will unveil a new design, is slated to open in November.

Mid-America is the exclusive leasing representative for the 334,995-sq.-ft. shopping center located on Chicago’s North Shore.

Los Angeles -- CB Richard Ellis Group announced Monday that Grayson Gill has been promoted to COO of the company’s Asset Services business line.  

Gill previously held the title of Senior Managing Director.

In his new role, he will be responsible for the operations of Asset Services in the United States, overseeing all of the business line’s operational departments, including Legal, Employee Relations, Finance, Technology, Procurement, Human Resources, Technical Services, and Client Accounting.

Beachwood, Ohio -- Developers Diversified Realty Corp. announced Monday that it will officially change its name to DDR Corp., and adopt its New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol and most commonly referred identity, DDR, as its official brand name.

The company also unveiled a new logo, tagline and brand identity.

Wyomissing, Pa. -- Phoenix-based Cole Real Estate Investments said Monday that it has executed a lease with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores in Wyomissing, Pa., for approximately 25,000 sq. ft., backfilling a former Borders location.

The in-line store is located adjacent to OfficeMax, Toys “R” Us and Old Navy.

Dallas -- The Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group said that David Zoller has been promoted to the position of VP.

Zoller is focused on investment sales and retail project leasing, as well as tenant representation for a select group of retailers, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
 

Charlotte, N.C. -- CNL Crosland Commercial Real Estate announced the upcoming opening of The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY) at two Charlotte N.C. shopping centers – Town Center Plaza (2,100 sq. ft.) and Quail Corners (1,700 sq. ft.).

The stores will open their doors this winter.

TCBY has six self-serve stores in the Charlotte area, all owned by Samuel Batt. The Quail Corners’ location represents the first tenant announcement for the under-redevelopment center, which is anchored by Harris Teeter and Rite Aid. 

New York City -- Aldi is close to making a deal to open its first supermarket in Manhattan, Craine’s New York reported.

The German discount grocer opened its first store in New York City, in Queens, last year. According to Craine’s, Aldi is set to lease space at East River Plaza, located between 116th St. and 119 St. in Harlem. The shopper center already boasts such tenants as Target, Best Buy and the city’s first Costco.

New York City -- Dunkin' Donuts is looking to expand in the western part of the country. The chain said it is actively seeking franchisees for parts of Colorado, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and New Mexico, regions in which the Dunkin barely has a presence.

To entice would-be franchisees, the company will offer reduced royalty fees and extra money for local advertising.