REAL ESTATE

Whole Foods reveals more locations for new 365 store format
While Whole Foods Market continues to work on the performance of its flagship stores, the company disclosed new locations and expressed confidence in its new store concept, “365 by Whole Foods Market,” even though the first location is not scheduled to open until May.
After saying goodbye CHEFS online kitchen retailer has been acquired
Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group has acquired the inventory, equipment and intellectual property assets of CHEF’S Catalog, including brands, trademarks and domain names. In January CHEFS’ sent an email to its shoppers saying goodbye after 36 years.

Michael Kaider has been named to CBRE’S Net Lease Property Group

Chicago -- CBRE announced that Michael Kaider, first VP, has been named to the firm’s Net Lease Property Group.

CBRE’s Net Lease Property Group is a select team of senior level capital markets professionals that specialize in the sale, purchase and recapitalization of single-tenant, net leased properties throughout the United States.
Tysons Galleria getting 10-restaurant food hall

A celebrity chef is opening a 41,000-sq.-ft. food hall at Tysons Corner Center (McLean, Virginia) that will house 10 separate restaurant concepts. The move comes as more and more retail centers are turning to food as a lure to draw shoppers.

Former “Top Chef” contestant Mike Isabella will open Isabella Eatery at General Growth Properties’ Tysons Galleria in 2017. Several of the planned restaurants will share a common area with approximately 300 seats where diners will be able to order from any of the five menus.
Westwood Financial appoints 20-year veteran as CFO

Los Angeles -- Westwood Financial Corp. appointed Jeanne Lazar as CFO. Lazar joins the company with more than 20 years of diverse commercial real estate finance experience. As CFO, Lazar will oversee all finance and accounting functions, including portfolio performance review and the development of financial and operational strategies.

“I’m honored to join Westwood Financial Corp. and look forward to working with the team to further the company’s goals to grow and expand in the grocery-anchored retail space,” said Lazar.
CBL completes sale of majority interest in North Carolina property

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced that it closed on a new 10/90 joint venture for Triangle Town Center and Commons in Raleigh, North Carolina, with DRA Advisors. The new joint venture acquired the property from the existing 50/50 joint venture between CBL and The Richard E. Jacobs Group for a total consideration of $174.0 million, including assumption of a $171.1 million loan secured by the property. CBL now holds a 10% ownership position in the asset and is responsible for leasing and managing, earning customary fees.
CBL announces new to portfolio retailer and newly created position

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced plans to add home retailer West Elm at Friendly Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, as part of a 12,700-sq.-ft. expansion project for the center. West Elm will occupy approximately 9,000 sq. ft. of the total expansion, which also includes Pieology Pizzeria and an additional soon-to-be-named retailer.

The new development will be located between Anthropologie and Whole Foods. Construction on the space is currently underway, and both West Elm and Pieology are scheduled to open fall 2016.
Now Trending: Closing Time

“Now Trending” is an exclusive online series to chainstoreage.com, featuring trending topics that impact the retail real estate landscape.

When Walmart announced in January that it planned to close 269 stores this year (154 locations in the U.S.), there was a good deal of chatter out there comparing the planned closures to a Macy’s announcement just over a week earlier revealing the upcoming closure of 40 stores and a restructuring plan that would eliminate more than 4,500 jobs.
Rural lifestyle retailer on fast track for expansion

Tractor Supply Company continues its rapid expansion, with the grand opening of its 1,500th store, on Feb. 13, in Odessa, Texas.

The retailer opened a total of 114 stores in 2015, and expects to open between 115 and 120 locations in 2016. Tractor Supply stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.
Saks Off 5th adds a little Gilt to its first NYC store

Sak Off 5th's first location in New York City will feature a pop-up shop that appeals to the retailer's target market.

Saks announced that Gilt will open its first ever in-store shop at the Saks Off 5th store in New York. The pairing of these two brands in a physical space marks Gilt's entry into brick-and-mortar retail and demonstrates the company's plans to bring an all-channel shopping experience to Gilt customers.