The holiday season can present an existential challenge for retailers, testing the skills and endurance of marketing and sales teams in a six-week race to reach revenue targets by the end of the year. It is not a time to inconvenience customers and staff with building maintenance or repairs. “There’s a reason they call it Black Friday,” says Bill Schaphorst, vice president of business development at MaintenX, a commercial facility maintenance and repair company. “Because of the surge in traffic and sales on the fourth Friday in November, that typically …
property management
The Placemaker
— By Katie Lee — PREIT is redefining the role of malls by transforming them into vibrant community hubs. As a premier developer and operator of retail and entertainment destinations all over the country, in some of the most sought-after, high barrier-to-entry MSAs, PREIT has long understood the importance of creating a “sense of place.” But with more than 6 decades of experience and a foresight to see beyond the traditional malls or power centers of its early years, today PREIT and its 17 premier properties offer so much more …
Salem, N.H. — The first Anthropologie store in New Hampshire has opened at The Mall at Rockingham Park, New England’s premier destination for tax-free and fashion-forward shopping. The first Anthropologie in the Granite State opened on Oct. 23. “Anthropologie is a first-of-its-kind destination in New Hampshire,” says Elizabeth Tetreault, area director of marketing. “We are exceptionally honored that Anthropologie chose The Mall at Rockingham Park and Salem for its first store in New Hampshire.” Anthropologie is a respected lifestyle brand founded in 1992; the brand ships to more than 100 …
Stay Out of the “Dead Zone”
— By Del Williams — Advanced Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) eliminate potential dead zones in commercial buildings to help first responders stay connected. First responders such as fire, EMS and police depend on reliable two-way radio communication when lives and property are at risk. That’s not always an easy task in many buildings. In-building radio signals are often absorbed or blocked by structures that are larger, underground or constructed of concrete or metal. Additionally, building features designed to create more sustainable facilities such as low-E glass windows can …
Protect Your Retail Space from Car Damage
By the time you finish reading this article, somewhere in the United States, a car will have run over the curb of a busy road, crossed the sidewalk and crashed into a retail space. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that somebody is driving into a storefront right now,” says Jessica Suazo, regional service manager for Colt Facility Maintenance, based in Dallas. Suazo’s company specializes in systems of bollards that protect buildings from these collisions. Also, for buildings not properly protected from collisions, companies like Colt provide emergency services. …
RED Development Underway on $2 Billion Redevelopment of Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix
Phoenix — RED Development has begun construction on PV, the $2 billion redevelopment of a 100-acre site in Phoenix formerly occupied by Paradise Valley Mall. Phase I of the project will include retail, dining and entertainment space anchored by Whole Foods Market; AVE Paradise Valley, a 400-unit multifamily community; and a 77,000-square-foot co-headquarters for Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Each component of the development will be linked via centrally located parks. A groundbreaking was recently held for the office portion of the development — a three-story building designed by SmithGroup to …
Los Angeles — JLL has signed Groupo Innovasport to a new lease for 7,500 square feet of space (currently occupied by Hollister) in the Third Street Promenade area of Santa Monica, Calif. Mexico-based Grupo Innovasport will open its U.S. flagship store for Culto, which features specialty footwear. The store is expected to open in first quarter 2025. Culto is the latest addition at Third Street Promenade, joining Google Store which recently inked a new deal. Latest openings in the popular destination include Pickle Pop, Barnes & Noble, Wilson Sporting Goods …
The Magic of Balancing Maintenance Costs
Running a retail or restaurant facility requires balancing costs, maintenance and operational uptime — a challenge that is further compounded when dealing with multiple stores. Facility owners and operators face the challenge of keeping their properties in top condition while managing expenses and minimizing disruptions to business. In the retail and restaurant industries, any downtime at all can be costly. A malfunctioning bathroom or a broken HVAC system can lead to customer dissatisfaction, lost revenue and temporary closures. Preventative maintenance and proactive scheduling can address these concerns by managing costs, staggering …
Niles, Ohio — Sierra Trading Post will soon be opening its trademark outdoors gear locations in three properties owned and managed by Ohio-based Cafaro Company. The first will be located at Cafaro’s Millcreek Mall in Erie, Pa. It will comprise more than 17,000 square foot of space, with plans to open in the fall of this year. Another 18,000-square-foot store is also under construction at Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah, Ky. It is scheduled to open late this year. Simultaneously, a new, standalone building will be rising on the Eastwood …
Mill Valley, Calif. — Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT), a real estate investment trust that owns and acquires high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, has acquired 19 Bloomin’ Brands restaurant properties comprising 20 total restaurants (10 Outback Steakhouse restaurants and 10 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, including one dual-tenant property with both concepts) for $66.4 million. The 19 properties are located across 10 states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. The sites are in strong retail corridors with high traffic and attractive demographics. The …