REAL ESTATE

Wawa ready for the Pope in Philadelphia; touts new design
Wawa managed to beat the clock in Philadelphia, opening a flagship location just in time for the Pope’s visit.

The convenience store operator opened the 4,000-sq.-ft. store nearly two months ahead of schedule, and in time for the crowds in town to see Pope Francis.

The new Wawa features an entirely new store design, colors, graphics and other one-of-a-kind features. It was designed in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, Ohio, and Cuhaci and Peterson, locally based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
Multi-million dollar renovation of Burr Ridge Village Center now underway
Burr Ridge Ill. -- Trademark Property Co. announced the start of construction on its multi-million dollar renovation of the Burr Ridge Village Center in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Enhancements will include upgraded amenities, renovation of common areas and roadway modifications.

“We are excited to evolve Burr Ridge Village Center by investing in these upgrades, which will create a more welcoming environment for guests,” said Weston Graves, VP, design and construction, Trademark.

Getting Physical

The emphasis on omnichannel commerce has largely laid to rest (at least for now) the debate of online versus offline. Indeed, A.T. Kearney put it best in the title of a recent study, “On Solid Ground: Brick and Mortar is the Foundation of Omnichannel Retailing.”
More retailers named for American Dream

American Dream has added more fire power to its retail lineup.

The Triple Five Group of Companies, the developer of the long-delayed retail and entertainment mega-center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Monday announced the names of 10 new retail tenants who will be setting up shop there. These include: Aritzia, Banana Republic, Gap, Lululemon, Mac, Microsoft, Pink, Uniqlo, Victoria's Secret and Zara.
Johnny Rockets targets millennials with new concept

Johnny Rockets is launching a fast-casual concept that the company hopes will appeal to time-starved millennials on the run.

Called Johnny’s Burger Factory, the 1,000-sq.-ft. eatery is located at the Walden Galleria mall, in Buffalo, New York, and will open on Sept. 26.
Cult favorite beauty brand going from clicks to bricks

Another digital-native retailer is going the mall route. And this one is aimed at shoppers who love to play with makeup.

NYX Professional Makeup on Oct. 2 will open its first-ever physical store, at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall, Arcadia, California. The Los Angeles-based brand, which was acquired by L'Oreal in June 2014, says it plans to roll out additional stores nationwide and globally in select urban centers throughout 2016.
Southeastern real estate Market on the rise

Orlando, Fla. -- Even though tropical storm Erika threatened Orlando, Florida, in advance of the ICSC Florida Deal-Making event earlier this month, attendees’ moods weren’t in the least dampened by the occasional rain showers. Attendance was strong and interest was high, as shopping center companies showed their wares to prospective tenants.
Dyson planning to go brick-and-mortar

The maker of bagless and cordless vacuum cleaners and high-tech fans is looking to sell its products in its own branded spaces.

Dyson is planning to open a store on London’s Oxford Street as a prelude to opening locations around the world, The Daily Mail reported. The company has previously opened pop-ups at the Bluewater shopping center in Kent, England, and in select malls in the United States.
1.2 million-sq.-ft. mixed-use project one-month out from opening

Cincinnati -- Steiner + Associates and Bucksbaum Retail Properties released the names of 24 additional retailers to join super-regional, mixed-use Liberty Center in Cincinnati, which is scheduled for a grand opening on Oct. 22.

The 64 acre, 1.2 million sq. ft. Liberty Center is located at the junction of the Liberty Way Interchange at I-75 and SR 129 in Cincinnati. The project includes more than 800,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurants and entertainment, 75,000 sq. ft. of office space, 240 luxury apartments and the 130-key hotel.
Roosevelt Galleria in Chicago acquired for $19.6 million

Chicago -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team brokered the sale of Roosevelt Galleria in Chicago. Rye, New York-based Acadia Realty Trust purchased the urban retail property for $19.6 million.

Roosevelt Galleria is located in the Roosevelt Road retail corridor in the South Loop. The 40,306 sq. ft. center has a diverse mix of tenants, which include: Golfsmith, Petco, Sleepy’s, United Healthcare and The Vitamin Shoppe.