Area malls attract industry’s attention Justine Griffin/Sarasota Herald-Tribune After several recessionary years during which Southwest Florida retail development stalled, new projects are sprouting or being planned that will dramatically change the region’s retail landscape. Perhaps the best example already is taking shape at University Parkway and Interstate 75. A joint venture between a Michigan developer […]
Archives for 2013
Spotlight On: Real Estate
Spotlight On: Real Estate Katherine Boccaccio/Chain Store Age For Starbucks Coffee Co., the biggest impediment to finding a site within an urban core is squeezing in the drive-through. That was just one of the challenges presented by retail real estate experts in the SPECS session, “Smaller Stores, Bigger Markets: Advantages and Obstacles to Urban Growth.” […]
Conference Call
With the International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) Spring Convention in Las Vegas just one week away, I’m seeing a lot of positive energy leading up to the event that has gotten my attention. From jam-packed schedules to more social events and sold out room and lodging packages, the excitement is contagious. In this week’s […]
University Town Center likely to get Cheesecake Factory
University Town Center likely to get Cheesecake Factory Justine Griffin/Sarasota Herald-Tribune In a sign of the caliber of tenants that the developers of the Mall at University Town Center are working to lure, The Cheesecake Factory has tentatively committed to be one of several restaurants at the upscale shopping center when it opens in October […]
Flipping the Coin
When Ron Johnson took over as CEO of J.C. Penney 17 months ago, he unveiled some ambitious plans to get the iconic brand back on track. The fact that Johnson is now ex-CEO paints a picture of how well his changes went over. Still, while Johnson may have had some missteps along the way, I […]
Steele Fitness and Under Armour to open co-branded stores
Steele Fitness and Under Armour to open co-branded stores Thomas Lee/Minneapolis Star Tribune Steele Fitness is strapping on its Under Armour. The Golden Valley-based chain of upscale fitness centers recently signed a deal with athletic wear maker Under Armour to open a retail store in Edina. The 2,500-square-foot store at 50th and France Avenue, to […]
