REAL ESTATE

Redlands, Calif. — Start-up Fresh Thyme Farmers Market plans to open 50 new stores across 12 Midwestern states over the next six years. To find the right locations, Fresh Thyme is using Esri technology and data to prioritize markets and rate, rank and compare potential sites based on geographic and demographi9c analyses.

Chicago — Athletic shoe and apparel retailer ASICS has signed a 5,254-sq.-ft. lease in Chicago’s Bucktown area. According to RKF, who represented the landlord, 1630 Damen LLC c/o Jenel Management Corporation in negotiations for the long-term lease, this will be Asics’ first store in the Midwest and third in the United States when it opens early next year.  

Blatteis & Schnur represented Windsor Financial Group, an independent licensee of AsicsAmerica in negotiations.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Tandy Leather Factory announced plans to open a store in Atlanta, in November. It’s the second Tandy store in the Atlanta area, and the company’s 79th overall.  

The new store is located in the Westfork Business Center and will open on Nov. 18.

Miami — The Cheese Course, a European-style cheese shop and bistro, has leased 1,500 sq. ft. in the plaza of Miami’s Southeast Financial Center, Florida’s tallest and largest office tower and plaza, totaling 1.225 million sq. ft.

The newest tenant joins other South Florida dining favorites including Spris, and The Newsstand Café by Books & Books.

Quincy, Mass. -- J.Jill is debuting a new store prototype in four locations across the country: Short Hills, N.J.; Huntington Station, N.Y.; King of Prussia, Pa.; and San Diego, Calif.

“The new approach to store design is based on our understanding of what is important to our customers,” said Paula Bennett, CEO and president, J.Jill. “We want to delight her with our beautiful, versatile collections and inspire her confidence with our guiding service. The new stores offer her a very warm welcome."

Chicago — Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has leased 3,200 sq. ft. at Heritage Plaza in Carol Stream, Ill. This is the fourth Hand & Stone location in the Chicagoland area as the company continues to expand in the region.

Heritage Plaza is a 128,871-sq.-ft. shopping center anchored by Jewel Osco. CBRE www.cbre.com represented the management company, Inland American Retail Management LLC. Baum Realty Group represented Hand & Stone.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Appliance & Hardware has debuted a smaller, neighborhood model format that will become a company standard for all new locations going forward. The new store, in Dallas, is also the first brand new Sears Appliance & Hardware store to open in the past ten years.

Raymore, Mo. — Sam’s Club has opened its newest club in Raymore, Mo. Relocated from Grandview, the new 136,000-sq.-ft. warehouse club will anchor the Raymore Galleria.

The new club will feature a Fresh Bakery, Tire and Battery Center, Optical Center, Pharmacy, Hearing Aid Center, Café and Fuel Station.