Weekly Perl: A Commercial Real Estate News Recap
Council adopts “soft launch” for Promenade entertainment zone with reduced hours of 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Santa Monica City Council has approved a new Entertainment Zone along the Third Street Promenade, allowing adults to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors with a phased implementation beginning next month...
Businesses Fight to Survive
The ongoing closure of the Pacific Coast Highway as a result of the Palisades Fire cleanup is leaving many Malibu businesses in a lurch this spring...
Bojangles’ Plan to Expand Nationwide Gathers Momentum
Bojangles called its expansion “galvanized.” This was as much a reflection of tangible, recent figures as the map ahead. In the summer of 2023, the 1977-founded brand unveiled a refreshed growth strategy that included, among other things, a boneless-focused menu and streamlined model, from the “Genesis” store design and layout to induction stoves that lowered the in-store temperature...
Retail Slowdown Impacts Leasing Activity
Retail slowdown deepens in 2024 as bankruptcies rise and lease activity stalls amid inflation and tariff concerns...
Proposed parking overhaul sparks debate over rates, access and downtown recovery
Proposed changes to downtown parking rates drew sharp debate during a Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board meeting last week, where city staff and consultants outlined a plan to simplify the pricing structure and raise revenue, while business leaders raised concerns about affordability, access and long-term revitalization...
Open for Business: Available retail space hits recent high
Though new construction of retail real estate space continues to remain at low levels, space availability received an adrenaline shot in the first quarter of 2025...
Aldi acquires three former Big Lots locations — here’s where
A fast-growing discount grocer has acquired three former Big Lots locations to continue its expansion...
First Look: Uniqlo continues U.S. expansion in California
Uniqlo’s North American expansion is heating up in the Golden State.

The global apparel retailer, part of Japan’s Fast Retailing Co., recently opened in Brea Mall, Brea, Calif. The new location, which spans 8,493 sq. ft., is Uniqlo’s 25th store in the state and 14th location in Southern California...
Foot Locker to be acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods for $2.4 billion
Dick’s Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker in a move that will give Dick's a global footprint for the first time and significant weight in negotiating with athletic powerhouse brands such as Nike and Adidas...
Jack In the Box, Applebee’s & Denny’s dominating closures in 2025 as restaurants struggle to stay afloat
CLOSURES have been hitting the restaurant industry hard in 2025 already, with the likes of Jack In the Box, Applebee's and Denny's dominating the list of shut downs...
Goodbye KFC and Popeyes: United States prepares for a new fried chicken kingas expansion continues
Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan chain with more than 40 years of tradition, keeps growing in the United States. Its goal is clear: dethrone giants like KFC and Popeyes from the fried chicken throne. With each new opening, the brand gets closer to this challenge.
