REAL ESTATE

Pokemon GO went, but not its legal implications
In the summer of 2016, Pokémon Go was everywhere. And as players traversed the globe in search of the game’s titular critters, they were also wandering into new legal territory. Although the craze now appears to have subsided, the game’s sudden popularity raised intriguing legal questions that will inevitably affect the future of mobile applications and their relationship to retail businesses.
Report: Toys 'R' Us goes smaller, more interactive
Toys “R” Us is looking to shake up its store experience. The retailer has opened a new “experience-driven” prototype in Santa Ana, California, near South Coast Plaza, The Orange County Register reported.

U.K. retailer to drop anchor in the U.S.

Watch out Hallmark. A popular British greeting card and stationery brand has designs on the U.S. market. Paperchase is planning to open two freestanding stores in the United States next year, both in Chicago, The Telegraph reported. Currently, the brand supplies Target and Staples with private-label greeting cards.
Macerich expands ‘Santa HQ’ to five more malls

Macerich’s tech-driven, HGTV-sponsored Santa Claus experience will be expanded to five properties in California, Chicago, and metro New York this Christmas season. Kids can download an Elf-Ray Vision app to their smartphones—or used a provided tablet — to explore “Santa HQ” in 3D, take an Elfie Selfie to insert themselves in a customized holiday video, or test their gift-worthiness on the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. A 10,000-bulb synchronized light show at the attraction plays the Carol of the Bells.
Woodmont names Geddis to run outlet leasing

The Woodmont Company has hired Pendleton Mills real estate executive John Geddis to handle leasing at the firm’s growing outlet center portfolio. His title will be senior VP of brokerage services. Geddis gained extensive experience on both the owner and tenant sides of the business in a 20-year career, with stints at Simon Property Group and General Growth Properties, as well as Samsonite. At Pendeton, he oversaw development for the company’s 50 owned retail and outlet locations.
Outdoor gear and apparel retailer keeps expanding

L.L. Bean has opened its first store in Cincinnati, at The Kenwood Collection mixed-use center. The 15,000-sq.-ft. store includes an outpost of the Freeport, Maine-based retailer’s Outdoor Discovery School, which offer demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and fly casting.
Mall of America 'Debuts' a pop-up collection

On Nov. 16, the Mall of America will open the doors on a revolving collection of pop-up shops that will come and go throughout the year. Branded as Debut, the 2,500-sq.-ft. space will be kicked off by an eclectic selection of nine brands including Askov Finlayson, West Elm Local, Woolrich, Pomegranate, and Laurel Way by Pam Mondale.
Fossil to overhaul business, shutter some stores

The watch and fashion accessories brand Fossil Group is planning to reorganize its business. The company, which operates 610 stores across the globe (including 284 U.S. locations) will close some stores, although it did not say how many, the Dallas News reported, as part of a multi-year business overhaul that also includes a focus on fewer products.
Pet supplies retailer keeps expanding at fast clip

Petco will celebrate the grand opening of nine new stores nationwide in November and December. The openings are in keeping with the company’s fast-paced 2016 growth plan, which includes 63 new Petco stores and one new Unleashed by Petco store year-to-date. In addition to the nine new locations, Petco will also celebrate the grand reopening of a relocated store in Kettering, Ohio.
Santa to take flight at 12 Taubman malls

Taubman is taking the Santa experience to a higher level — literally — at 12 malls this holiday season. On Nov. 11, the mall owner and manager will debut “Santa’s Flight Academy,” where kids will be able to register as members of the jolly old elf’s flight crew, help Sleigh Mechanic George or Reindeer Caretaker Flash prepare for liftoff and engage in what Taubman is describing as an “immersive holiday experience.”