REAL ESTATE

Futuristic fast-food eatery designed around technology
San Francisco -- The old-fashioned automat has been reborn as the nation’s first fully-automated, high-tech fast-food restaurant.

Eatsa, a start-up restaurant concept, has opened its first location, in downtown San Francisco near the financial district. The format combines two of the city’s biggest interests: healthy eating and innovative technology. And don’t worry about tipping — there is almost no human interaction in the entire Eatsa experience.
Simon mall to install automated retailing system
Miami -- Shoppers at The Falls, in Miami, will be able to pick up personal care and over-the-counter items without ever entering a store.

Lowe’s makes big purchase for big Hawaii store

Mooresville, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies Inc. is making a big purchase that will enable it to build a big store on one of Hawaii’s biggest islands.

The retailer is purchasing an 11-acre property in Kahului, Hawaii for $18.7 million from A&B Properties Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin.

Lowe’s plans to build a 167,000-sq.-ft. store on the site, located on the island of Maui. The new store will be 16% larger than Lowe’s current store in Kahului, which it leases from a third party.
Raley’s to debut new store concept

West Sacramento, Calif. -- Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is entering the health and wellness space.

The privately owned supermarket company said it will debut a new, small-format store in the Sacramento, Calif., market in 2017 that focuses on health and wellness.

The 36,000-sq.-ft. store, being done in partnership with Stafford King Wiese Architects and Armstrong Development Properties, will be designed to be state-of-the art with a focus on the most sustainable features. The store is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2016.
General Growth brings AMC Theatres to Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines, Fla. -- General Growth Properties and AMC Theatres announced the addition of a new 40,000-sq. ft. theater to Pembroke Lakes Mall in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Construction is set to begin early 2016, with an expected opening in early 2017.

The nine-screen AMC theatre will also feature power-reclining seating for up to 1,000 guests, a Marketplace food and beverage area, IMAX and Dolby Cinema.
RPAI adds retailers to Gateway Plaza

Oak Brook. Ill. - Retail Properties of America Inc. has signed two new leases at its Gateway Plaza shopping center located in Southlake, Texas. Buybuy Baby and Cost Plus World Market, at Gateway Plaza located in Southlake, Texas. Buybuy Baby and Cost Plus World Market are both expected to open in fourth quarter 2015.

The 365,200-sq.-ft. power center is anchored by Kohl's, T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as many other prominent national retailers and restaurants.
Noteworthy month for Simon's Premium Outlets division

Indianapolis -- Simon announced the opening of an additional 250,000 sq. ft. of outdoor shopping space, significantly increasing the footprint of Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Illinois. New stores including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Columbia Sportswear, UGG Australia, Vince, and the first Midwest outlet stores for Robert Graham and Clarins have joined existing brands such as Coach, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Skechers, Under Armour, and Vera Bradley who have expanded their presence.
Boot Barn kicks off Texas store openings

Irvine, Calif. – Boot Barn Holdings Inc. is kicking off a set of store openings in Texas with four new stores Aug. 28-30. Three of the new stores will be in the Houston market and one will be in Euless, outside of Fort Worth.
Early look at Macy’s Backstage store

New York -- Macy’s is set to unveil its new store banner, the off-price Macy’s Backstage, in the Queens borough of New York City and Huntington, New York, on Sept. 2.

The store offers a no-frills shopping experience, according to the Associated Press, which was given a sneak peek at the new format.

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Starwood rewards mall shoppers

Chicago - Starwood Retail Partners is rewarding mall shoppers, regardless of which stores in the mall they choose to shop.

Starwood is rolling out Oh, So Simple Rewards, a program that lets consumers earn credit for their purchases at stores across the entire mall.