REAL ESTATE

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to relocate its full-line Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) department store in San Diego to a new space within the evolving mall.

The new two-level, 145,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom store will open in 2017 as part of Westfield UTC’s resort-inspired redevelopment, which is adding specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment, sustainable design features and family-friendly amenities, as well as structured parking.

By Andy Couch, DJM Real Estate

New York -- Bang & Olufsen unveiled its first newly redesigned store concept in North America, at the new Madison Avenue location in New York City. The 1,400-sq.-ft. store is designed to evoke a true sensory experience and demonstrate Bang & Olufsen's commitment to providing extraordinary consumer experiences.  

Other locations in New York City will adopt the new design, as well as a handful of additional locations across the United States next fiscal year.

By Michael Lebowitz

Chicago - Englewood Construction ‘s food service and restaurant group has completed Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch and the Chicago Sports Museum in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. The national general contractor has also completed a Native Foods Café in Chicago’s Hyde Park and is working with Native Foods Café to roll out its concept nationally.

Lakewood, Colo. – Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has opened a store in Logan, Utah. The Logan store is its second Utah location.

"We are thrilled to expand our nutrition expertise and delicious food options to Logan," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. "We look forward to engaging with the local community about healthy living."

Atlanta -- Simon Property Group said it will undertake a series of improvements to Phipps Plaza, which is located in Atlanta's Buckhead district.

The plans include extensive interior makeover, providing a fresh new look and feel to the interior space of the mall, with upgraded LED lighting, new paint, new warm wood accents, an updated railing system, luxury soft seating and lounging areas with Wi-Fi connectivity and chargers. In addition, restrooms will be upgraded and a hotel-like concierge service center will be installed.

London -- British luxury fashion brand Burberry blends digital and physical retailing at its new flagship in Kerry Centre, Shanghai. The three-floor location has been designed to offer multi-sensory experiences for its customers.

 Inspired by Burberry’s Regent Street flagship in London, the Shanghai store incorporates British craftsmanship and materials with cutting-edge technologies, starting with an illuminated façade that responds to changes in weather and natural light and also displays programmed animation.