STORE SPACES

New York City -- McDonald's Canada is investing approximately $1 billion in an ambitious program to transform the look, feel and function of its more than 1,400 locations across the country. More than half of the stores are expected to be remodeled by yearend, with the rest completed by the end of 2012.

Corpus Christi, Texas -- Shopping mall La Palmera said that one of its major tenants, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification, the restaurant’s first, for its location at the Corpus Christi, Texas, mall.

New York City -- Lord & Taylor will unveil a new concept called Lord & Taylor Home on Friday, at Fashion Center shopping center in Paramus, N.J.  A second location, in Shrewsbury, N.J., is expected to open in several weeks. Lord & Taylor is owned by NRDC Equity Partners, which also owns Canada’s Hudson Bay Co.

New York City -- Subway is testing a cafe concept with an expanded menu and more sophisticated décor in about 15 locations, the Associated Press said.

The new format includes modern lighting, flat-screen TVs, comfortable chairs, and such menu items as muffins, pastries, espresso beverages and salads.
 

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us has implemented a number of sustainable initiatives that conserve energy, minimize waste, and reduce its stores’ overall impact on the environment while diminishing the company’s carbon footprint.

The chain said that its new and renovated “R”Us locations include a combination of the following sustainable features:

Phoenix -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market said Thursday it has turned on 11 rooftop solar installations in Phoenix and Los Angeles. The panels, installed by REC Solar, will provide 536 kW of power and supply 20% of each store’s energy needs.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy’s distribution center in Chemung County, N.Y., has been awarded LEED Gold certification from the United States Building Council. It it the chain’s first LEED-certified distribution center.

New York City -- Sports Authority will open its first S. A. Elite stores outside of Colorado and California in two locations in the Chicago suburbs in November, according to Crain’s Chicago. As additional Elite store will open in Chicago’s Water Tower center next spring.

The stores will range from 11,000 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft., and feature an edited collection of merchandise that emphasizes tennis, golf and yoga.