REAL ESTATE

High street rents go, well, sky-high
Current retail thinking that the high and the low ends are driving the industry has gotten a boost from CBRE Group. High street rents are off the charts worldwide, according to company’s just-released Global Retail Rents report. Rents in prime shopping locations during the second quarter were up 30% in Rome, 24%, 20% in Milan, and 14% in Sydney and New York.
Google makes impressive store debut in Manhattan
Google has “popped up” in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan with a temporary store that is all about experience. The outpost, called "Made by Google,” is designed as a showcase for the company’s expanding line of electronic devices, and give visitors a chance to try out and experience its latest devices. The store does not sell any products, however. For that, customers will have to shop online or go to Best Buy.

Round One to open first New York location

Round One, Japan’s answer to Dave & Busters, announced it will open its first New York State location at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. The entertainment brand offers bowling, karaoke, billiards, and darts, as well as food. Other new locations in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania will bring its U.S. store total to 14. Round One spaces are generally 80,000 sq. ft.; the Middletown store will be only 45,000 sq. ft.
Fast-growing cosmetics retailer expanding in Manhattan

NYX Professional Makeup is set to launch its first flagship in Manhattan on Friday, Oct. 28. Located in the heart of Union Square, the new NYX is the company's 20th domestic store and will combine digital technology with a hands-on educational environment. In keeping with its heritage as a digital brand, NYX stores feature a series of innovative technologies, including an in-store Beauty Bar, an interactive makeup station featuring custom video tutorials.
Starbucks reveals location of fourth Reserve Roastery format

Starbucks is bringing its new immersive store concept to Tokyo. The coffee giant will open a Reserve Roastery in Tokyo, in 2018. Located in the Nakameguro district, an upscale neighborhood, the Roastery will be designed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect and founder of Kuma Lab at the University of Tokyo.
Starbucks ups store count for its new upscale chain

Starbucks is bullish about its new café format, Starbucks Reserve, which will target a more sophisticated audience with premium coffees and food offerings. The company had previously said it planned to open 500 Reserve locations globally, with the format making its debut next year. But it is looking to open as many as 1,000 locations, Bloomberg reported.
Specialty golf retailer bucks trend

On the heels of Golfsmith and The Sports Authority declaring bankruptcy, PGA Tour Superstore is picking up momentum and opening stores. The privately held chain recently acquired a Sports Authority location in Glendale, Arizona, which it will reopen under its own banner in January 2017. PGA Tour is also planning new stores in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and in Jacksonville, Florida, with both opening in 2017.
Teen apparel retailer partners with GGP to open 13 pop-ups

The Wet Seal is going to be very busy on Nov. 3. That’s the day the retailer, in partnership with GGP, will open 13 holiday pop-up locations at GGP regional shopping centers throughout the nation. "We see an opportunity for additional brick and mortar locations during the peak holiday season," said Wet Seal CEO Melanie Cox. The temporary stores will range from 3,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. each.
OliverMcMillan names new COO

Michael O’Hanlon, a 35-year real estate industry veteran, has been hired as OliverMcMillan’s new chief operating officer. The company’s properties include The Shops at Buckhead in Atlanta and the River Oaks District in Houston.
Apple to revamp 95 stores by yearend

Apple is turning its stores into mini town squares. The tech giant is redesigning its stores along the lines of its new San Francisco Union Square and London Regent Street locations, Fortune reported. It expects to have 95 stores fully revamped by year end.