STORE SPACES

Newest mall tenant: An 'athletic resort'
A J.C. Penney store is going to be displaced by a fancy fitness club. Simon announced that the J.C. Penney store at Southdale Center, in Edina, Minn., will close and be replaced by a Life Time fitness center, or ‘athletic resort.’ Expected to open in early 2019, the three-level facility will be operated by Life Time, which currently runs 123 centers in the United States. The centers are designed as one-stop fitness shops offering tennis, swimming, basketball, and yoga along with weight loss and nutrition education.
Lidl opens its first round of U.S. stores
German discount grocery retailer Lidl made its hotly-awaited debut in the United States on Thursday, opening the first nine of 20 locations it plan to open over the summer. The chain expects to have 100 stores up and running within a year.

Is Amazon Go readying for prime time?

A recent job listing by Amazon has raised speculation that the online giant plans to roll out its checkout-free convenience store concept, Amazon Go. The online giant recently posted a job listing seeking a senior real estate manager for Amazon Go. The role will be based in Seattle and will include travel.
U.K. sporting goods chain acquires two U.S. retailers

Sports Direct, the largest sporting goods retailer in the United Kingdom, has expanded its presence in the United States. The company announced that it has completed its acquisition of Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports. It will initially operate a total of some 50 stores in the Northeast and five EMS outdoor adventure schools, along with e-commerce sites for both brands.
Home decor chain enters new market

At Home, the fast-growing home decor and accessories retailer, continues to grow its store presence. The retailer has opened its first Massachusetts location, in Seekonk. It's one of 25 stores the chain will open this year.
GDA acquires portion of Michigan power center

GDA Real Estate Services has purchased an 174,353-sq.-ft. portion of the Marketplace at Delta Township Lansing, Michigan, in a deal brokered by Mid-America Real Estate Corporation. The sale price was not disclosed. Key tenants at the acquired property include Michael’s, Petsmart, Tractor Supply, and Ulta Beauty. It is shadow-anchored by Walmart and Lowes.
Aldi accelerates store expansion as supermarket wars heat up

A German discount grocer has set its sights on becoming the third-largest American food retailer by store count, behind Walmart and Kroger.
Warehouse club operator entering new territory

BJ's Wholesale Club is set to open its first location in South Carolina. The retailer will celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Summerville, South Carolina on Saturday, June 10. The store, which marks BJ's expansion into South Carolina, is located at the intersection of Interstate 26 and North Main Street, Summerville's primary retail corridor.
J.C. Penney concept targets collegiates

J.C. Penney is determined to become college-bound co-eds’ shopping destination for all of their dorm room needs.
Macy’s mulls rooftop park atop New York City flagship

Macy’s is toying with a lofty idea that could create more traffic at its Herald Square store in New York City.