The Right Medicine: Medical Tenants Are Good for the Health of Some Shopping Centers Beth Mattson-Tieg/Shopping Centers Today When the time comes to make an appointment for that medical exam, cholesterol test or X-ray, the local mall is hardly the first place that jumps to mind. But so long as economic realities continue to strain […]

Microsoft bets stores can boost new Windows products Hannah Cushman/St. Louis Post-Dispatch Walking into the Microsoft Store is a bit like picking up a Windows 8 device. Tablets, mobile, gaming and accessories are separated into dedicated “bays,” each arranged to mirror the colorful tiles of the new Metro home screen that replaces the traditional desktop […]

Upscale cinema could become part of Southgate reboot Justine Griffin/Sarasota Herald-Tribune As part of its plan to redevelop and expand Southgate mall, Australian mall developer Westfield Group is considering entertainment options that include an upscale, dine-in movie theater. “Although there are no announcements to make at this time, I believe you could safely speculate that […]

Mall will give shoppers new digital tools Justine Griffin/Sarasota Herald-Tribune When its Mall at University Town Center debuts in October 2014, co-developer Taubman Centers Inc. will operate one of the most technologically advanced retail spots in the nation. The company plans to use the retail hub as a testing ground for new digital, interactive tools […]

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 […]

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.” […]