REAL ESTATE

$40.8 million revitalization of Island Walk is now underway
Palm Coast, Fla. -- A transformation is underway. Branch Properties is in the midst of a $40.8 million redevelopment of the largest (and oldest) retail shopping center in Palm Coast, Florida.

Island Walk, once called Palm Harbor Shopping Center, is a 204,000-sq.-ft. center anchored by Publix Super Markets. Once completed in 2016, the upgraded retail destination will bring new and expanded tenants and amenities to the Palm Coast community in an effort to revitalize the city’s original core.
J. Crew’s Mercantile headed to Wisconsin
Chicago -- J. Crew Group’s new value-priced store concept has announced a second location.

Mercantile, which recently made its national debut at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas, will open at The Mayfair Collection, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Saks to put best foot forward with new concept

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue is going to open a freestanding store dedicated to a hot category.

The department store retailer plans to open a shoe store in Greenwich, Connecticut, in fall 2016, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The store, whose name has not yet been revealed, will be located close to an existing Saks Fifth Avenue store, which will no longer sell shoes.

The new format will be modeled after Saks’ in-store 10022 shoe department, according to the report.
H&M expanding higher-end store banner in the U.S.

London -- Fast-fashion giant H&M doesn’t let any grass grow under its feet.

H&M is expanding its higher-end, minimalist-styled brand, COS (short for Collection of Style). The retailer plans to open four stores in the United States in 2015, starting this fall, with two new markets on tap. COS is also expanding into Canada, with stores set to open in both Montreal and Toronto later this year.
Patagonia wears its heart on its sleeve

New York -- Activism, yoga classes and free repairs are all on the menu at Patagonia’s new store in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood.

The global outdoor lifestyle retailer, one of the industry’s most dedicated environmentalists, is marking 20 years of doing business in the Big Apple.
Six COOL Stores for a HOT Summer

The spring and summer has brought with it a flurry of new store concepts, from established players, international newcomers and online stars. Check out the six below.
J. Crew’s new Mercantile store concept … what’s all the fuss about?

New York -- J.Crew Group is not breaking any new ground with its latest retail format, Mercantile, which recently opened its first location, in Dallas.

The budget-friendly store, in The Shops at Park Lane, is very similar to J.Crew’s factory outlet concept, reports Business Insider, particularly in its pricing and merchandise mix.

For a look inside the new store, click here.
Ikea taking shape in the desert

Las Vegas -- Those familiar blue composite panels are going up in Las Vegas.

Ikea announced that steel framing has progressed far enough that installation of the iconic blue panels has begun on its future Las Vegas store. Installing the blue panels is a construction milestone that ensures the 351,000-sq.-ft. store will open summer 2016, and it reflects the unique architectural design for which Ikea stores are known worldwide.
Columbia Sportswear angling for new shoppers

Miami, Fla. -- Columbia Sportswear Company is expanding its new store concept.

The company has opened Performance Fishing Gear (PFG), in Miami’s The Falls. The 5,654 sq.-ft. store features the latest and greatest from the popular collection, along with an interactive knot-tying station and digital design elements.
Gordon Brothers-Accuval names southeast director

Boston - Conrad Lauten has joined Gordon Brothers-AccuVal, the valuation division of Gordon Brothers Group, as director, business development. Lauten will oversee the group serving Alabama; Florida; Georgia; Kentucky; Mississippi; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee and Virginia.