REAL ESTATE

DSW to open three new stores on April 30
Columbus, Ohio -- Footwear big-box retailer DSW will open stores in Michigan, California, and Washington State this month.

A 20,000-sq.-ft. store will open April 30 at Pirate’s Plaza in Flint, Michigan, representing the 10th DSW store in the Detroit market.

In Bakersfield, California, DSW will open an 18,000-sq.-ft. store at Shops at River Walk, also on April 30. The Shops at River Walk store marks the company’s first in Bakersfield.
Orangetheory Fitness coming to Long Island shopping centers
Jericho, N.Y. - Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness studio that uses heart-rate monitoring technology and interval training to improve and increase the workout experience, is expanding in Long Island. The fitness studio’s upcoming New York expansion includes Syosset at the Syosset Corners Shopping Center and in Melville in Melville.

P.F. Chang’s coming to Streets of St. Charles development

Peoria, Ill. - P.F. Chang’s will be coming to the mixed-use Streets of St. Charles development in St. Charles, Missouri. The restaurant, which will be P.F. Chang’s first location in St. Charles County, will feature an Asian-inspired decor and offer outdoor bistro seating along the pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

Construction is expected to begin summer 2015, with an anticipated opening in early 2016.
Retail Rap: Silver Lining for Some Store Closings

In an article that appeared in National Real Estate Investor (NREI) Online on April 10, author Elaine Misonzhnik describes the recent store closure announcements from Walgreens and Pier 1 as part of a larger pattern of retailers “pursuing portfolio optimization and an omnichannel approach.” While I generally agree with that statement — and with the notion that increasing pressure from online sales growth is contributing to a more competitive brick-and-mortar environment — I was reminded once again of just how different the dynamics behind store closings can be.
Pandora opens shops in collaboration with Disney Parks and Resorts

Baltimore -- Pandora Jewelry, in collaboration with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, has opened dedicated shops within two Disney merchandise locations: Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and La Mascarade d'Orleans in Disneyland park in California.

Both locations carry Pandora’s newly released spring 2015 Disney jewelry collection and the Disney Parks collection, as well as the brand’s full assortment of jewelry.
Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Resort Casino to open May 21

Greensboro, N.C. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Foxwoods Resort Casino announced that Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods will celebrate the new center's grand opening on Thursday, May 21 kicking off at 10 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting hosted by Drew and Jonathan from the hit show, Property Brothers. The festivities will include a design workshop with the Property Brothers, an Instagram Tech Lounge, as well as special savings and giveaways.
Shopping center pioneer Alfred Taubman dies at 91

New York -- A. Alfred Taubman, a real estate developer who is credited with inventing the modern indoor shopping center, has died. The 91-year-old Taubman died Friday evening of a heart attack at his Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, home.

The announcement was made over the weekend by his son, Robert Taubman, chairman, president and CEO of Taubman Centers Inc., in a statement to employees.
Corner Bakery Café to open 13 stores in Cleveland

Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe plans to open 13 new stores in greater Cleveland. The retailer has entered into its first area development agreement in the state of Ohio.
New retailers come to West Manchester Town Center

York, Pa. – The revamped West Manchester Town Center is announcing the latest group of retailers to open there. DSW Inc. and Charming Charlie both opened in April, with GNC and Kay Jewelers expected to open in May.

Ann Taylor Loft GameStop, Kirkland’s and Petco each opened during the winter months. Mall anchors Kohl’s, Regal Cinemas and Wal-Mart, along with Artesian Pools & Spas and USA Optical, have remained open throughout construction.
BFC Properties breaks ground on Staten Island’s Empire Outlets

New York - BFC Partners has broken ground on Empire Outlets, a 340,000-sq.-ft. retail complex that will create more than 1,800 jobs and bring $285 million in private investment to the New York City borough of Staten Island.