REAL ESTATE

Philly tops list of 10 most affordable retail locations
Retailers who want a prime location but also one that’s affordable should check out Philadelphia, Chicago and Seattle.
Specialty beauty retailer thriving in bricks-and-mortar
Someone forgot to tell Bluemercury about the slowdown in physical retail. The beauty retailer, which was purchased by Macy’s in 2015, plans to open some 40 stores in 2017, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune, including six in Chicago. Currently, it has nearly 200 locations nationwide.

New name for Oklahoma City outlet center

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett won’t have occasion to announce a championship for the OKC Thunder this year, but he did stop by the RECon show in Las Vegas to crown the OKC Outlets. The former Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City was sold by CBL to The Outlet Resource Group and Singerman Real Estate earlier this month. The new owners wasted no time putting its own brand on the center. “OKC” is the abbreviation commonly used by NBA fans to identify the Thunder.
Candy retailer in deal to expand footprint

Lolli & Pops has entered into a partnership to grow its store portfolio.

The retailer, which specializes in high-end sweets and confectionary treats, is teaming up with retail real estate company GGP Inc. to open 30 new locations.
CBRE acquires Florida brokerage

CBRE has widened its footprint in South Florida by buying the business assets of the Brenner Real Estate Group, which has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Melbourne. Founded by Scott Brenner in 1987, the company provides leasing brokerage, investment sales, and property management services through more than 20 associates.
Forever 21 to launch new store concept

Forever 21 has entered into a partnership with mall owner GGP Inc. to debut a new, freestanding brick-and-mortar retail format. The Los Angeles-based fast-fashion giant will launch Riley Rose, a beauty boutique, at 13 GGP regional shopping centers, with 10 locations opening in 2017. According to a report by newbeauty.com, the new concept will be experiential, millennial-focused and Instagram-friendly.
CBRE, JLL among LinkedIn’s Top 50 Companies

Not one, but two leaders in retail real estate have been named to LinkedIn’s Top 50 Companies list. CBRE came in at No. 18 and Jones Lang LaSalle at No. 21, ahead of such companies as Adobe, Oracle, and Coca-Cola. The social media site for professionals determines rankings by interest in a company's jobs, interest in a company's brand and employees, and employee retention among its 500-million-plus members.
Rascal Flatts to land at Celebration Pointe

Rascall Flats will be appearing in an extended engagement, band members hope, in Gainesville, Florida. The famed country band chose Celebration Pointe, an under-development town center heavy on dining and entertainment options, as the site for one of the first Rascall Flatts Bar & Grills The very first is due to open in Cleveland, with Los Angeles and Connecticut to follow.
Wahlburgers opens at center on Vegas Strip

Those crazy actin’ and burger-flippin’ Wahlbergs Mark and Donny, along with brother Paul and other family members, have opened at Grand Bazaar Shops on the Las Vegas Strip. The new center located on Bally’s doorstep and across from the Bellagio picked the busiest intersection Vegas to place a culinary assemblage of the hottest new names in casual dining that are beginning to spread to malls and open-air centers nationwide.
Amazon’s newest book store planned for L.A.

The City of Angels has joined the growing list of cities that will feature an Amazon Books store. Amazon submitted a building application to open a 5,227-sq.-ft. suite at the Westfield Century City mall in Los Angeles on May 9. The online retailer received initial plan check approval the same day, according to a record on the L.A. Department of Building and Safety website.