REAL ESTATE

Macy’s adds two more store locations for launch of Macy’s Backstage
Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Monday announced two more pilot store locations in metro New York City for its new off-price format, Macy’s Backstage. The additional stores brings to six the total number of Macy’s Backstage for launch. All are expected to open in fall 2015 and average about 30,000 sq. ft.

The added locations are at Fordham Place in The Bronx, and Essex Green Shopping Center, West Orange, New Jersey, where an existing Macy’s store will be converted to Macy’s Backstage.
TimeTrade Survey: Retail stores still very relevant
New York -- Brick-and-mortar stores are still relevant, with 87% of consumers planning to shop physical retail at least as often as they did in 2014, according to a study by TimeTrade Systems. What’s more, 65% of respondents report that if an item they want is available online or in a nearby store, they prefer to shop in the store.

How Shopper Analytics Ensure the Mall Thrives

While empty, decaying malls make for inspired photo shoots, most of America’s shopping malls are actually doing well. In fact, according to new data from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries, shopping center occupancy rates were 92.7% at the end of 2014 – the highest level in six years! Occupancy was even higher for malls (both super-regional and regional malls) at 94.2%, the highest since 1987.
H&M to enter India in fall 2015

Stockholm, Sweden – Sweden-based global specialty apparel retailer H&M is planning to open its first store in India in fall 2015. The 25,000-sq.-ft. store will be located in New Delhi.

H&M, which currently operates more than 3,600 stores in 58 global markets, may open as many as 50 new stores in India during the next few years.
Gap eyes Toys ‘R’ Us Times Square space

New York -- Gap Inc. is eyeing the 110,000-sq.-ft. Toys “R” Us flagship at 1514 -1530 Broadway, according to The Real Deal.

Sources say the specialty apparel retailer may split the space between Old Navy and Gap stores.

The massive retail space comes with a hefty price tag: the ground floor alone goes for $2,500 per square foot per year in rent, while the top floor is going for $150 per square foot, and the basement for $350 per square foot.
Charming Charlie opens New York flagship, will expand globally

New York - Charming Charlie has unveiled its first New York City flagship store. Situated on Fifth Avenue, the flagship is a showcase for the brand's new store concept, and was designed in partnership with Callison Architects.
Trademark begins renovation of Texas center

Dallas - Trademark Property Co., the operating partner for The Shops at Highland Village, has started construction on its multi-million dollar renovation of the 389,090-sq.-ft. shopping center. Enhancements include: upgraded building façades, common area and landscaping improvements, public art, new amenities for adults and children, and new signage throughout the property.
DavidsTea and Sephora to open at the Derby Street Shoppes

Hingham, Mass. -- WS Development and Derby Street Shoppes continue to add new and exciting retailers to the vibrant mix of existing shops, boutiques and restaurants by announcing the opening of DavidsTea and Sephora. DavidsTea, expects to open its only location on the South Shore in mid-summer, while perfume and cosmetics retailer, Sephora, hopes to open later this year.
Dollar General opens 12,000th store

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Dollar General on Saturday hit another milestone, opening its 12,000th store in the small town of Juliette, Georgia.
Westfield San Francisco enlists RetailNext for analytics

San Francisco - Westfield San Francisco Centre has enlisted RetailNext Inc., a provider of retail analytics for brick-and-mortar stores, to provide in-store retail analytics technologies and services for Bespoke, its new retail-technology hub. Bespoke is made up of tech demonstration, coworking and event spaces.