REAL ESTATE

Brookstone opens new concept store in Salt Lake City
Travelers dashing through the Salt Lake City International airport in need of travel-friendly clothing and gear have a new oasis courtesy of Brookstone.

The specialty retailer unveiled a new format, called Carry On, at the SLC Delta Terminal. The store offers the "best brands in travel gear,” according to the company.
Report: H-E-B to open convenience store format
Citing a Virtual Builders Exchange report, the San Antonio Business Journal last week reported H-E-B would be opening a pureplay convenience store operation with plans to construct a 7,500-square-foot convenience and fuel center. "The convenience store market in San Antonio has become increasingly competitive over the past few years, made even more so with local CST Brands agressive expansion plans," the business journal reported.

Giant Eagle exec to head up real estate for La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy Inc. announced the appointment of James Chickini as VP, real estate, responsible for real estate development initiatives for the La‑Z‑Boy Furniture Galleries store network, including corporate-operated locations, across North America.
Now Trending: Crea(c)tivity in the Urban Core

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

As more of my work brings me into contact with mixed-use developments in urban core markets, it’s clear to me that there are some important changes taking place – changes that are fueling the ongoing mixed-use renaissance in many cities.
Walmart to exit Walmart Express pilot as part of global 269-store closings

Walmart said it will close 269 stores worldwide this year, including many of its smallest-format stores, in a move that CEO Doug McMillon characterized as being more disciplined about growth. It is one of the largest number of stores closures that Walmart has ever announced at one time.
Pei Wei expands presence in Florida

Winter Garden, Fla. -- The Sembler Company has completed construction on the final outparcel at the 1.15 million sq. ft. Winter Garden Village located in Winter Garden, Florida.

Pei Wei Asian Diner and Mattress One will occupy the new 7,200-sq. ft. building, marking complete build-out of the development originally started in 2006.
Vestar hires director of due diligence

Phoenix – Vestar announced the addition of Bradley Parks, director of due diligence to its team. Parks will be responsible for overseeing all due diligence activities for Vestar’s shopping center acquisition opportunities.

Over the past three years Vestar has completed over $1 billion in acquisitions throughout the western U.S. and was recently recognized as the 4th largest acquirer of shopping centers in the United States.
Report: CVS to open new location on Vegas strip

A CVS store is expected to open on the Las Vegas strip in May, according to a report by Vegas Inc. published Tuesday. It will be CVS' fourth location to Walgreens' five, the report noted. "They've really been popping up quickly," Ray Germain, associate VP investments with Marcus & Millichap told Vegas Inc. "It's crazy what you'll pay for a little packet of Advil. (Vegas Inc.)
The Vitamin Shoppe to open 10 new locations

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate announced it has negotiated 10 new store openings for The Vitamin Shoppe in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Vitamin Shoppe, is a leading multichannel specialty retailer and contract manufacturer of nutritional products with 700+ stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

The Vitamin Shoppe Pennsylvania locations: Chadds Ford, Fairless Hills, Feasterville, Lancaster, Paoli, Philadelphia, Dickson City/Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Gordon Brothers hires director of real estate

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group announced the appointment of John Dattilo as director, real estate of the commercial & industrial division, to the Chicago office. Dattilo will oversee the analysis, acquisition and sale of industrial real estate assets.