Dollar General Expands Real Estate Plans for 2025 Dollar General plans to execute nearly 5,000 real estate projects in 2025, including 575 new U.S. stores, over 4,000 remodels/renovations, and 45 relocations. Despite a 29% drop in Q3 net income, the company is ramping up investments as competitors scale back. (Bisnow 12/5) [Read]

Shake Shack to Open New Locations Shake Shack plans to open 80-85 new restaurants in 2025, including 45 company-operated locations, and aims for at least 1,500 domestic sites in their long-term plan. The chain is exploring smaller-format units and drive-thru locations to diversify their real estate portfolio. Q4 2024 revenue rose 14.8% and expects 16%-18% revenue growth in 2025. (Chain Store Age 1/14) [Read]

Barnes & Noble to Open 60 Stores in 2025 After opening 57 locations in 2024, Barnes & Noble is planning for another solid year of growth. The company plans to open 60 new U.S. stores in 2025, while currently operating approximately 600 stores globally. (Chain Store Age 1/8) [Read]

Lowe’s to Open New Locations Yearly Lowe's "Total Home Strategy" will include opening 10-15 stores annually in fast-growing markets as the company tries to grow their footprint and bring in new customers. Their store improvement strategy also includes launching a home improvement product marketplace, expanding rural offerings, enhancing delivery services, and leveraging AI to boost efficiency. (Chain Store Age 12/11) [Read]

Target Expanding with Six New Florida Stores Target plans to open six new Florida stores, part of 32 locations opening nationwide. New Florida locations include Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Nona, Miami Beach North, Wildwood, and Wesley Chapel. These locations range from 30,000 to 149,000 square feet, with opening dates yet to be announced. Target currently operates 125 stores across 85 Florida cities. (Daily Commercial 12/26) [Read]

BJ’s Opens 40th Club in Florida BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened at Beachwalk East Shopping Center in St. Johns, near Jacksonville, its 40th location in Florida. BJ’s now operates 247 clubs and 183 gas stations across 20 states. (Chain Store Age 12/20) [Read]

PizzaExpress Plans U.S. Launch in Florida U.K.-based PizzaExpress will debut in the U.S. in 2025, targeting Florida markets like Tampa and Orlando. Partnering with franchise group Purple Square, the chain will feature 2,500–3,800 square-foot locations. The expansion is part of its goal to reach 1,000 locations globally by 2030. (Chain Store Age 12/23) [Read]

Just Salad Debuts First-Ever Drive-Thru Just Salad opened its first drive-thru location in Livingston, NJ, marking the beginning of a new concept aimed at offering customers faster, more convenient access to healthy meals. The company plans to open additional drive-thru locations throughout 2025. (Chain Store Age 1/13) [Read]

JCPenney Merges, Creates 1,800 Store Giant JCPenney has merged with the owner of Forever 21, Aéropostale, and others to create a retail giant encompassing 1,800 stores under the new entity, Catalyst Brands. This strategic move aims to leverage the strengths of each brand to enhance market presence and operational efficiency. (Bisnow 1/9) [Read]

Nordstrom Acquired for $6.25B The Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool will acquire Nordstrom, Inc. for $6.25 billion, taking the company private. The Nordstrom family will take 50.1% ownership, while El Puerto de Liverpool will take 49.9%. The deal is expected to close in early 2025. (Chain Store Age 12/23) [Read]

Saks Global Acquires Neiman Marcus Group for $2.7B Saks Global completed a $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group, combining Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks Off Fifth into one portfolio. The deal includes 36 Neiman Marcus stores, 39 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and 95 Saks Off Fifth locations. (Business Wire 12/23) [Read]

Variety Wholesalers to Acquire Big Lots Stores Variety Wholesalers will acquire 200 to 400 Big Lots stores and up to two distribution centers following Big Lots' September 2024 bankruptcy. The stores will continue operating under the Big Lots brand, preserving thousands of jobs. (Chain Store Age 1/6) [Read]

Savvy Sliders Acquires BurgerFi Savvy Sliders has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, adding 84 restaurants across 15 states to its portfolio. This expands Savvy Sliders’ footprint to 206 locations. The acquisition follows BurgerFi International’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September 2024. (Chain Store Age 1/3) [Read]

Macy's Announces Closure of Seven Florida Stores Macy's Inc. plans to close 66 stores nationwide in 2025, including seven in Florida, as part of their plan to close 150 “underperforming” locations by the end of 2026. The affected Florida locations are expected to begin closing sales in January and run for approximately 8-12 weeks. This move reflects Macy's strategy to optimize its store portfolio in response to changing consumer behaviors. (Fox 35 1/10) [Read]

Joann Seeks Buyer After Second Bankruptcy Filing Joann has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in under a year, citing inventory issues and financial struggles. Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, who recently completed a sale transaction with Big Lots, is one of the companies expected to be interested. Joann operates over 800 stores across 49 states and will continue normal operations during the sale. (Chain Store Age 1/15) [Read]

Seminole Towne Center Mall to Close; Redevelopment Plans Underway The Seminole Towne Center Mall in Sanford, Florida is set to close by January 31^st. The site will be transformed into a mixed-use development featuring a movie theater, retail spaces, restaurants, recreational areas, and residential components. Major anchors like JCPenney and Dillard’s will remain operational during the redevelopment. (Fox 35 Orlando 1/9) [Read]

Boynton Beach Marketplace Sells for $49M The 69,204-square-foot property in Boynton Beach, developed by SJC Ventures and opened at the end of 2024, has been sold for $49.25 million to Boca Raton investor Yevgeniy Yermakov. The center is anchored by a 40,000-square-foot Whole Foods. (South Florida Business Journal 12/31) [Read]

Plaza del Mar Sells for $37M The Plaza del Mar shopping center in Manalapan has sold for $37 million. The 83,841-square-foot property, anchored by Publix, was acquired by Garden Commercial. The sale marks the company's return to South Florida retail. (USA Today 12/31) [Read]

Village Market at Wesley Chapel Sold for $30M The 98,547-square-foot Village Market at Wesley Chapel, anchored by a 30,530-square-foot Crunch Fitness, has been sold to JBL Asset Management for $30 million. The deal also includes five freestanding net-leased buildings. (Tampa Bay Business Journal 12/24) [Read]

Delia Plaza Sells for $29.6M Delia Plaza, a 70,452-square-foot shopping center in Doral, recently sold for $29.6 million. The Sedano’s Supermarket anchored center saw multiple buyers and sellers involved, with one seller retaining a 20% stake. [Read]

Central Park Plaza Sold for $5.6M Central Park Plaza, a 48,000-square-foot retail center in Largo, sold for $5.6 million. The 95% occupied property includes tenants like NAPA Auto Parts and Rent-A-Center. (Tampa Bay Business Journal 1/7) [Read]