REAL ESTATE

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Ikea hasa proposed plans for a possible store in the city of Memphis, Tennessee that could increase the Swedish retailer’s presence in the Southeastern United States as its first store in the state.    The potential store could open as early as fall 2016 and is contingent upon receiving all governmental approvals.  

New York - New York City’s first outlet center is expected to transform the Staten Island waterfront when it opens in 2016 adjacent to the 630-ft.-high New York observation wheel on the New York Harbor.

New York City - The International Council of Shopping Centers set new attendance records at its New York National Deal Making Conference, moved for the first time to the Javits Convention Center, held December 8 and 9, and keynoted by Donald Trump. The two-day event at the new location nearly doubled the size of the space from prior years, and drew more than 400 exhibiting companies and 9,600 attendees, representing a new attendance record and a 26% increase compared to the 2013 event.  

New York - Even in a digital age, young women still love shopping malls—especially during the holidays. According to a survey of female millennial shoppers from Teen Vogue, 65% of respondents will do the majority of their holiday shopping in stores, compared to 35% who will do most of it online. The top reasons why respondents said they would rather go to a mall than shop online during the holiday season was to see products (75%), hang out with their friends (44%), and bond with their mom (37%).  

Atlanta - Hooters of America is partnering with Forum Analytics for a customized real estate planning and market-optimization solution. The collaboration will allow Hooters real estate operations make real-time, data-driven decisions by allowing users to share market data and sales forecasts, as well as impact estimates and site packet materials via SIMMS Online, Forum’s proprietary mapping, reporting and analytic platform.   

Indianapolis – Simon  has broken ground on Tampa Premium Outlets in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Opening in October 2015, the multi-million dollar project will bring a diverse mix of more than 110 retailers with 441,000-sq.-ft. of leasable space. It will also include  a  a food pavilion with multiple dining options.  

Los Angeles - CBRE Group, Inc. has launched a new global brand positioning along with a platform to express the positioning inside and outside the company, Build on Advantage.   “With our new positioning, we have created an organizing principle for the brand that supports our core strategy of producing distinct advantages for all of our stakeholders, and have united our professionals around this aspiration,” said Bob Sulentic, CBRE’s president and CEO.  

CHICAGO - In time for the holiday rush, General Growth Properties has introduced several new customer initiatives, including an arrangment with Uber to provide free trips (up to $60) to participating malls for all riders and free return trips for new Uber riders or those who spend more than $150 during their visit.   The shopping center developer is providing omni-channel initiatives like same day delivery; enhanced guest experience services; and one-of-a-kind holiday attractions.