REAL ESTATE

German grocery giant to make a big U.S. debut ahead of schedule
Lidl is coming out of the starting gate in the United States earlier than expected — and it isn’t going to waste any time ramping up its store base. The discount grocer will open its first U.S. stores this summer, with plans to open up to 100 locations across the East Coast within a year, the Associated Press reported. The chain initially had said it planned to enter the U.S. market no later than 2018.
RCS cops award for restructuring of Pacific Sunwear
RCS Real Estate Advisors will receive a Turnaround Award from M&A Advisor later this month for its work in the reorganization of Pacific Sunwear.

Fast-fashion giant’s Weekday brand to make London debut

H&M is expanding one of its lesser-known banners with two high-profile locations. The retailer plans to open a Weekday store on Regent Street in London, and also one in Paris, according to numerous British reports. Both locations are expected to open this summer. The brand, known for its denim offerings and minimalist basics, currently operates some 27 stores in Europe, but this will be its first in the United Kingdom and France.
Whole Foods Market scales back growth strategy

Whole Foods Market is feeling the impact of increased competition by mainstream supermarkets. The retailer is slowing down its rate of opening new stores, reported the Austin Business Journal, and no longer has a goal of 1,200-plus stores.
Investors reach $40 million settlement in Sears real estate deal

Sears Holding Corp.’s chairman and CEO Eddie Lampert and the company's board settled a lawsuit alleging that the chief executive benefited from a spin-off deal. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of Sears and against Lampert, other Sears directors and Seritage Growth Properties, the real estate investment trust established to acquire 235 of the struggling chain’s best stores, reported Reuters.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago eyes expansion

Macerich is pursuing an option to acquire land in Rosemont, Illinois, to allow it to expand its Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall there, according to the local Daily Herald. Rosemont authorities told the news site that Macerich could draft an option agreement within the next 60 days that would give it right of first refusal on a village-owned lot east of the shopping center that currently houses The Rosemont Theatre.
Luxury department store retailer in Fort Worth opening

Neiman Marcus will unveil its relocated store in Fort Worth, Texas, at The Shops at Clearfork, on Feb. 10. The nearly 95,000-sq.-ft. store is the anchor tenant — and first to open — at the new upscale open-air center, which is being developed by Simon Property Group. The new Neiman Marcus blends a modern, luxurious design with state-of-the art technology and an array of special services.
Study: This retailer will gain from Macy’s, Kmart store closings

Off-price giant TJX Cos. stands to gain traffic from the planned shutterings of select Macy’s and Kmart stores this year. A study by Foursquare indicates that T.J. Maxx will gain traffic from Kmart store closings, while Marshalls will benefit from Macy’s closings, reported Boston Business Journal. Both banners are owned by TJX Cos.
Sacramento mall charted steady growth in 2016

Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento released its annual sales report this week and verified the fact that not all traditional malls are on the endangered list. The 1,112,000-sq.-ft. property, owned by Arden Fair Associates and managed by Macerich, showed consistent month to month growth through 2016, capped by a 10% year-over-year sales increase in December, according to the accounting.
Warby Parker in store expansion

Warby Parker is making a big commitment to brick-and-mortar. The hip eyewear retailer plans to open at least 25 stores this year, The Wall Street Journal reported. The new locations, planned for Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and other cities, are expected to bring Warby Parker’s total store count to about 70 by year end. The stores will range in size and include freestanding as well as mall locations, the report said.