REAL ESTATE

Calabasas, Calif. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has named Paul Loubet as western region director of the national retail group.

Based in the firm’s Newport Beach, Calif., office, Loubet will direct more than 100 investment sales professionals operating from more than 25 offices comprising Marcus & Millichap’s western region.

Cranford, N.J. -- Winick Realty Group N.J. has announced the formation of an investment sales division in the company’s Cranford, N.J., office. The new division will focus on a wide range of properties from ne-leased investment-grade properties to shopping centers throughout New Jersey.

“The investment sales market is red-hot right now, with a substantial amount of business that reaches pre-recession levels,” said Tyler Bennett, senior VP and founding partner of Winick Realty N.J.

Cincinnati -- Phillips Edison-ARC Shopping Center REIT Inc. has acquired Boronda Plaza in Salinas, Calif. Food 4 Less, a subsidiary of Kroger, anchors the 93,071-sq.-ft. shopping center, which is 98% occupied.

When combined with the Food 4 Less lease, 68% of the rents for the center derive from national tenants. More information at Phillipsedison-arc.com.
 

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group Inc. has made two research appointments.

First, Nick Axford, Ph.D., will move up to Global Head of Research, a new position, from CBRE’s Asia Pacific business unit. He will manage global research efforts, establish strategies that support CBRE objectives and serve as a resource for clients on global commercial real estate trends.

In addition, Raymond Torto, Ph.D. will become global chairman of CBRE Research. He will analyze market trends for clients.

Highland Park, Ill. -- Landmark Theatres will re-open its remodeled five-screen Renaissance Place Cinema in mid-July.

The extensive renovation added a full-service bar and lounge, new seating and sound systems that include hearing loop technology, which wirelessly transmits sound from films to hearing aids with telecoils.

New York -- The London Candy Co. has taken 1,000 sq. ft. on Bleecker Street in Manhattan’s West Village, according to RKF, which brokered the deal.

The new candy and coffee shop will replace the retailer’s existing location at Lexington and East 94th Street.

Los Angeles -- For the second consecutive quarter, the retail availability rate has fallen 30 basis points, according to the latest analysis from CBRE Group. The rate now stands at 12.2% and testifies to improved retailer confidence as consumer spending continues to rebound.

The availability rate tracks space that is actively being marketed and available for tenant build-out within 12 months.

New Orleans -- Smoothie King Franchises is targeting the Jacksonville, Fla., metro area to kick off a major expansion calling for 1,000 new franchised and corporate locations over the next five years.

With seven stores in Jacksonville, the company plans to add 10 new locations there over the next three years.

To fuel the national expansion drive, Smoothie King is offering candidates 40% off of its initial franchise fee for the first 40 agreements of 2013 — a savings of $10,000.