REAL ESTATE

New York City -- Off-price retailer Daffy’s is launching an expansion push, including opening a store in Manhattan’s Times Square in the former home of the New York Times, Crain’s New York Business reported.

The 28,000-sq.-ft. Times Square store, to be located on West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, is slated to open fall 2011. The store will have a ground-floor entrance, but the bulk of the space will be on the basement level.

Stratham, N.H. -- A Tuesday report by the Wall Street Journal said that outdoor gear retailer Timberland will expand its presence in mainland China from 110 stores currently to double that number.

According to the company’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Swartz, who was interviewed by WSJ, the retailer sees the potential to more than double its doors in the next three years.

Swartz said one way his company can connect with Chinese consumers is by highlighting its environmental credentials.

Niles, Ill. -- Tuesday Morning has signed a lease for 20,000 sq. ft. at Village Crossing in Niles, Ill., a North Shore suburb of Chicago.

According to Oakbrook Terrace-based Mid-America Asset Management, the exclusive leasing representative for the center, Tuesday Morning plans to open in January 2011 as a new anchor, joining Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jewel/Osco and Pier 1 Imports.

Houston -- Centro Properties Group said that General Nutrition Center has opened a 1,600-sq.-ft. store at Merchants Park, in Houston.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, is the owner of Merchants Park.

Frederick, Md. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said that Waldin Jewelers has opened at Francis Scott Key Mall, in Frederick, Md.

The 1,103-sq.-ft. retailer is located in the Center Court of the mall.

Francis Scott Key Mall is owned and managed by PREIT.

Philadelphia -- Center City Philadelphia-based Michael Salove Co., an X Team partner, announced the completion of two lease transactions with Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Popeye’s has signed a lease to open a 2,069-sq.-ft. freestanding unit in Wilmington, Del., and 2,152-sq.-ft. endcap at Darby Town Center in Darby, Pa.

Both are slated to open in March 2011. Once open, these units will be the 15th and 16th for the New Jersey-based franchisee.

Salina, Kan. -- Addison, Texas-based Coyote Management, L.P. and Garrison Investment Group said they have acquired, through their affiliates, Central Mall, in Salina, Kan.

The 486,444-sq.-ft. enclosed regional mall is anchored by Dillard’s, J.C. Penney and Sears, and also features a 10-screen Showplex Cinemas and key major tenants Jo-Ann Fabrics and Old Navy.

The newly acquired property augments the existing 2.8 million sq. ft. currently owned by Coyote Management.

Willow Grove, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said that Gertrude Hawk Chocolates has opened a new store at Willow Grove Park, in Willow Grove, Pa.

The 667-sq.-ft. store is located on the Second Level in the Bloomingdale’s Wing.

Willow Grove Park is a three-level, 1.2 million-sq.-ft. regional shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Sears and The Cheesecake Factory.