REAL ESTATE

VR: Don’t be a virtual latecomer
If you’re not in gaming or medical arts, virtual reality is likely to be one of those items that sits on your to-do list, but is not likely to be near the top. It’s one of those items for which many a business person elects late-adopter status: Let the tech geeks and early adopters figure it all out and then I’ll jump in when it becomes relevant to me.
Brixmor works to re-open 14 Irma-damaged properties
A limited number of tenants have been able to re-open their stores at 14 Brixmor properties severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. The company’s remaining 116 properties in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama are open and operating. The partially opened properties, which were not named in the report from Brixmor, suffered wind and water related damages and power outages.

CBL puts an eye on shoppers

CBL is launching a pilot program at two of its malls that will more closely measure the volume and the specific nature of traffic. The initiative, directed by RetailNext, will place cameras at various points on the properties that not only count heads, but determine shoppers’ genders and approximate their ages within five years. The test will take place at Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina.
Herberger’s backfills Macy’s hole in LaCrosse

Herberger’s has moved to a new location at the Valley View Mall in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, “right-sizing” to a 100,000-sq.-ft. space in a spot recently vacated by Macy’s. Herberger’s was the sixth tenant to backfill vacant department store space at a PREIT-owned mall this year.
The Tile Shop expands in Michigan

The Tile Shop has expanded its presence in greater Detroit with the opening of its sixth metro store in Troy. The new location features 14,750 sq. ft. of showroom space and over 4,000 tile designs for consumers and the professional trade. It also features more than 30 fully decorated displays providing design inspiration
Developer: Stop trying to be Amazon and start being inspiring

Uncertainty has always been a part of the retail industry, but today it is reaching unprecedented levels. Far too many retailers have let that online monster that’s under the bed get into their heads and influence their strategic decision and resource allocation. But is that monster really vicious?
Footwear giant opens first store in Saudi Arabia

DSW Inc. is making good on its promise to create a foothold in the Persian Gulf. The footwear giant opened of its first warehouse store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new 15,000-sq.-ft. store is located at the Mall of Dhahran.
Phillips Edison buys Chicagoland center

Phillips Edison & Company has acquired a center anchored by Mariano’s grocery in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates. The 159,443-sq.-ft. Hoffman Village was left two-thirds vacant when Dominick’s closed in 2011, but the emergence of Mariano’s Fresh Market, owned and operated by Roundy’s, returned occupancy back to 94%, according to former owner NewQuest.
RPAI: ‘Irma was kind’

Hurricane Irma packed less of a wallop than originally feared, and shopping centers owners are breathing a sigh of relief. Retail Properties of America reported that its six Florida properties emerged from the ordeal practically unscathed.
Experiential retailer in store closings

High-end bath, kitchen and appliance retailer PIrch is relying on its California roots for future growth.