REAL ESTATE

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that its Town Center at Boca Raton shopping mall is celebrating the grand opening of two national retail debuts, a Florida first in dining and several other upscale additions.

Recently, Swiss watch manufacturer Ulysse Nardin opened its first freestanding U.S. boutique at Town Center at Boca Raton. Prior to the holidays, gold vending machine, the GOLD to go ATM, opened.

New Iberia, La. -- Centro Properties Group said that T.J. Maxx will open a 24,035-sq.-ft. store at Lagniappe Village, in New Iberia, La. 

New York City-based Centro is the owner of Lagniappe Village.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Jacksonville, Fla., at Shoppes at Bartram Park to Jacksonville Running Co.

Specializing in the sale of running footwear and apparel, Jacksonville Running Co. has leased 1,600 sq. ft., bringing the center to 94% leased.

The tenant is slated to open for business in the spring.

The 119,376-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Publix alongside The UPS Store, Massage Envy, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Panera Bread.

Los Angeles -- BH Properties announced that Ronald J. Platisha has been promoted to the newly created position of COO.

Platisha will lead the organizational operations while building and maintaining relationships with financial institutions.

Platisha, a 30-year veteran in the commercial real estate industry, has served as CFO at BH Properties for the past four years.

San Francisco -- Women’s active lifestyle brand Athleta has opened its first full-scale retail location, on Fillmore Street in San Francisco. Athleta was acquired by Gap in 2008

“This store opening launches the next phase of our multichannel growth plan for the Athleta brand,” said Toby Lenk, president of Gap. Direct, the division which houses the Athleta brand. “What began as a catalog business 12 years ago, evolved into a successful online channel, and today marks another milestone for the Athleta brand.”

The Dec. 23 edition of SiteTalk referenced a recent survey, which found that driving responsible growth, in addition to protecting and building the brand, is a chief priority for retailers in 2011. We asked you, our readers, if that priority was consistent with your 2011 objectives. Here is what one reader had to say.

Minneapolis -- Target is opening 21 stores across 12 states, the retailer announced Tuesday.

Among the openings include five stores in California, a third store in Hawaii and a SuperTarget in Minnesota.

“Target takes great pride in designing stores that meet the needs of our guests and the communities we serve,” said John Griffith, Target executive VP. “With the addition of an expanded fresh food assortment, our new stores will offer guests everything they need in one convenient location.”

Pasadena, Calif. -- Disney Store will open more than 25 new and remodeled locations around the globe in 2011. The stores will feature the company’s updated store design, which features an array of interactive and immersive experiences. The company ultimately plans to transform all its 350+ locations to the new concept.

“Guests told us that we brought the magic back to Disney Store with the launch of our new design, and they responded by staying in the stores longer and purchasing more,” said Jim Fielding, president, Disney Stores Worldwide.