REAL ESTATE

Amazing Lash Studio signs on new franchise partners; to add nearly 100 locations
Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Amazing Lash Studio, a fast-growing franchisor of eyelash extension studios is starting 2015 by welcoming new regional developer partners who will open nearly 100 studios in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. This nearly doubles the coverage of the Amazing Lash Studio brand to 15 states across the country.

Franchise veterans Ren and Michelle Waters have partnered with Terry and Leslie Rock to develop 20 studios in the Nevada, Utah and Idaho regions for Amazing Lash Studio.
Dunkin’ Donuts plans 46 new Indiana stores
Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its presence in the Hoosier state. The company has signed multi-unit store development agreements with two existing franchise groups to develop 46 restaurants in Indiana during the next several years.

Tractor Supply opens 1,400th store as part of aggressive expansion

Brentwood, Texas -- Tractor Supply Company will open its 1,400th store, in Eunice, Louisiana, on Feb. 21. The location is one 110 to 115 new stores the retailer plans to open this year.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating another milestone in Tractor Supply's growth story, with the opening of our 1,400thstore," said president and CEO Greg Sandfort. "We believe there is still tremendous expansion potential ahead, and we are excited for the opportunity to serve the rural lifestyle in new markets."
Ross Dress for Less opens two Louisiana stores March 7

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in Louisiana on March 7. The stores are located in Juban Crossing in Denham Springs, and Magnolia Marketplace in central New Orleans.

With these new locations, Ross will operate 15 stores in Louisiana. Together, Ross Dress for Less and DD’s Discounts currently operate more than 1,300 off-price apparel and home fashion stores in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.
Fast-growing VF Corp. to open 150 stores under various banners

New York -- Fast-growing VF Corp. continues its aggressive expansion. After opening 75 stores in the fourth quarter, the company plans to open a total of 150 stores this year.

VF, whose banners include Timberland, The North Face, Vans, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica, has long been known for selling products through other retailers. But in recent years it has stepped up its direct-to-consumer business via aggressive store expansion, and the channel is steadily accounting for a larger percentage of sales.
Saks slates March opening for first store in Puerto Rico

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue will open its first store in Puerto Rico. The 100,000-sq.-ft., multi-level store opens in conjunction with the Mall of San Juan on March 26.

“There is great opportunity in San Juan – the demand for luxury retail from locals and tourists is thriving,” commented Marigay McKee, president of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Whole Foods Market to open in Uptown Charlotte mixed-use development

Charlotte, N.C. -- Crescent Communities has unveiled plans for a mixed-use, transit-oriented development that will bring Uptown Charlotte its first Whole Foods Market. The company’s plans for the 5.4-acre site at the Lynx Light Rail’s Stonewall Station, in Charlotte, North Carolina, define a new model of urban living for the area and complement its Tryon Place mixed-use development to redefine the city’s Stonewall corridor.
Carter’s, Osh Kosh B’Gosh to open at Towne Centre at Laurel

Laurel, Md. -- Greenberg Gibbons announced that Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh are opening a combined store at Towne Centre at Laurel, the new $130 million destination on Route 1 in Laurel, Maryland.

Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh will open a 7,077-sq.-ft. store in April 2015.
Rascals Fitness to open at Collegeville Plaza

Philadelphia -- X Team International announced that partner MSC Retail has completed a lease transaction with Rascals Fitness in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

Rascals Fitness will open a 12,183-sq.-ft. facility in Collegeville Plaza at the intersection of Main Street and 2nd Avenue. “We’re excited to have helped complete the lease for Rascals Fitness on their third location in Pennsylvania,” said Michael Salove, president and CEO of MSC Retail.
GNC plans 125 net new domestic stores in 2015

Pittsburgh - GNC Holdings Inc. is looking to 2015 as a year of expansion. The retailer plans to open 125 total net new domestic (including both company-owned and franchised stores) and retail segment locations, approximately 150 net new international franchise locations, and approximately 30 net new GNC-Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations.