REAL ESTATE

Laredo, Texas -- Brentwood, Tenn.-based GBT Realty said Wednesday it has completed construction of a new shopping center that is home to four new retailers. The fully occupied McPherson Place, in Laredo, Texas, is tenanted by James Avery, Orange Leaf, Starbucks Coffee and AT&T. All four stores are open for business.

“The quality of this location allowed us to completely fill the center with an outstanding list of retailers,” said Fraser Schaufele, VP leasing at GBT.

New York -- In its annual report filed Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch revealed that it plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Seoul and Shanghai in 2013, as well as 20 international Hollister stores. The news sent the teen retailer’s shares rising on Wednesday.

The company also said in the report that it is maintaining its focus on boosting profitability by simplifying processes, eliminating less-profitable parts of its business, shoring up efficiencies and cutting expenses.

New York -- Polaroid has thrown its hat in the retail ring, opening its first-ever retail store, in Delray Beach, Fla. Nine additional locations in select U.S. cities are scheduled to open by the end of the year. For photos click here.

Phoenix -- Leslie’s Poolmart said Monday it will grand-open 15 Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies stores across 10 states on April 5, as part of the company’s plan to open 48 new stores this spring.

The new stores opening on April 5 include: Tucson, Ariz.; Pleasanton, Calif.; Rohnert Park, Calif.; Cockeysville, Md.; Gastonia, N.C.; Las Vegas; New Hyde Park, N.Y.; West Chester, Ohio; Spartanburg, S.C.; Harlingen, Texas; Lake Jackson, Texas; Sherman, Texas; Wylie, Texas; Manassas, Va.; and Virginia Beach.

Atlanta -- Rental chain Aaron's announced at its 2013 National Managers Meeting in Nashville that the company plans to open 125 stores in 2013 and hire 750 new employees.

Aarons added 950 new jobs across the U.S. and Canada last year.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts said Monday it has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisee Sizzling Donuts to open seven new restaurants in northern Utah.

The first restaurant is slated to open in 2013, with the remainder by 2020.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers announced Thursday that, through its 2012 “greengenuity” program, it increased annual energy savings by 75%, achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for three projects, and tripled the amount of construction and demolition material recycled during the year.
 

Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- Jones Lang LaSalle said Thursday it has closed the sale of Windy Hill Shopping Center and North Village Center on behalf of Equity One.

America’s Realty purchased the two adjacent shopping centers totaling 128,821 sq. ft. and anchored by Roses, Goodwill, Dollar General and Cititrends.