REAL ESTATE

Tampa, Fla. -- RMC Property Group announced Tuesday it has hired David Gibson as retail services executive specializing in tenant representation.

Gibson previously worked with Equity and Grubb and Ellis.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced Wednesday it is implementing its EcoStance of environmental responsibility to the malls’ kiosks, located throughout all the shopping centers’ common areas.

Over the last few months, GGP converted over 50,000 incandescent lights to energy-efficient LED lights in over 135 malls. The new LED lamps produce brighter light levels, last longer, lower carbon emissions, and reduce energy consumption by at least 85%, according to the mall owner.

New York City -- Juicy Couture’s store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan has been temporarily closed due to the discovery of bed bugs.

“Like other major retailers recently impacted by this issue, we are moving swiftly and aggressively to address the problem. We expect the store to re-open later this week,” the company said in a statement. “The people who shop and work at the store are our top priority and we are taking all necessary precautions.”

Austin, Minn. -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts has opened a 15,000-sq.-ft. store at Austin Town Center, in Austin, Minn. 

Austin Town Center is owned by Centro Properties Group, based in New York City.

Tucson, Ariz. -- Commercial Retail Advisors said Tuesday that water purification retailer Water Mart has signed a lease for a new store in Orange Grove Village, in Tucson, Ariz.

The retailer is relocating from its current site in the local Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Center to the new 1,200-sq.-ft. space.

The new store is slated to open in mid-December.

Wilmington, Del. -- Philadelphia-based Michael Salove Co., an X Team partner, said Tuesday it has completed a lease transaction with Aarron’s Furniture Rentals at Christina Crossing, located in Wilmington, Del.

Aarron’s will occupy 6,705 sq. ft. and is slated to open March 2011. Existing tenants include Shop Rite, Wine & Spirits, Cricket Wireless, Hibachi Sushi and Supreme Buffet.

Houston -- Centro Properties Group said Tuesday that Fashion Metro has opened a 9,810-sq.-ft. store at Northtown Plaza, in Houston.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, owns Northtown Plaza.

New York City -- Developers Diversified Corp. announced the introduction of six new locations for teen fave Five Below in 2010. The stores were opened in Ohio; New Jersey; North Carolina; and New York.

Five Below currently operates over 100 discount stores across the country and intends to double its store count by the end of 2011 through a massive expansion spree.