Weekly Perl: A Commercial Real Estate News Recap

Marc Perlof • July 11, 2025
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First Look: Save A Lot debuts new Hispanic-focused store concept


One of the largest discount grocers has unveiled another new store concept that aims to cater to Hispanic consumers.

As part of its strategic collaboration with Leevers Supermarkets, Save A Lot unveiled a new store format, called Save A Lot y Mas, in the St. Louis suburb of Overland...

A blurry picture of a clothing store with clothes on display.

Santa Monica Planning Commission Votes to Ease Downtown Business Restrictions


The Santa Monica Planning Commission has unanimously voted to recommend changes to the city's zoning ordinance that would permanently ease restrictions on downtown businesses, including eliminating prohibitions on dancing and expanding alcohol service options.

The 6-0 vote sends the proposal to the City Council for final approval, and comes as the city shifts its approach to economic recovery in its downtown core and Third Street Promenade area...

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Fatburger adds 40 stores to Florida pipeline


Fatburger is slated to grow its presence in the Sunshine State in a big way.

FAT (Fresh, Authentic, Tasty) Brands Inc., the fast-casual burger chain’s parent company, has announced a new development deal with existing franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to open 40 additional Fatburger locations across Florida over the next 10 years, including new areas such as Jacksonville...


The front of an aldi store with a sign in front of it.

First Look: Chuck E. Cheese launches new arcade concept for adults in 10 malls


Chuck E. Cheese has debuted a spin-off entertainment concept for adults who still love to play games.

The company has launched Chuck’s Arcadewhich combines a rotating mix of retro classics with the hottest new titles, including state-of-the-art racing simulators and immersive virtual reality hits...

Fast-growing lifestyle brand Eastside Golf opens first U.S. store


Eastside Golf, whose fashions are designed to be worn by golfers and non-golfers alike on and off the course, has marked a major milestone in its growth.

The brand has opened its first-ever U.S. store. Located at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Terminal A, the shop features a curated selection of the brand's apparel and accessories, including its signature Swingman sweatshirts, tracksuits, performance polos and bucket hats...

Retail merger activity surges with $112.7 million deal for Big 5 Sporting Goods


Big 5 Sporting Goods is being purchased by private equity firm Capitol Hill Group and Worldwide Golf in a $112.7 million deal that will take it private, part of a flurry of mergers and acquisitions involving retailers...

Family Dollar officially cuts ties from Dollar Tree

Family Dollar is officially a standalone private company with no ties to its previous parent company Dollar Tree, the retailer announced Monday.

The separation means Family Dollar will now operate under new owners—private equity firms Brigade Capital Management, Macellum Capital Management, and Arkhouse Management Co. Family Dollar will remain headquartered in Chesapeake, Va...

One of LA’s Best Thai Restaurants Is Expanding With Two New Locations


It’s gearing up to be an exciting summer for Holy Basil. Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat’s Bangkok-style Thai restaurant is relocating from its original location in Downtown LA to the former Guerrilla Tacos space in the Arts District...

Erewhon opens Los Angeles-area store, plans more Southern California locations


Trendy grocery store chain Erewhon is expanding in Southern California with a new store opening last week and three more on the docket. However, one store affected by the Pacific Palisades wildfires remains closed...

Nordstrom to close two US department stores as retail industry faces rough patch


Nordstrom plans to shutter two department stores next month as the retail industry faces a challenging economy and shifting consumer behavior that has led to the nation's highest level of store closings since the onset of the pandemic...

Auntie Anne’s Unveils Modular Redesign Built for Gen Z, Growth, and Flexibility


Mike Freeman, GoTo Foods president of brands, says snacking should be an eye-catching experience. It should also be customized, create emotional ties, and be in a frictionless environment for millennial and Gen Z customers.

Those are the funnels the 1,200-unit Auntie Anne’s used to reimagine its store design...

By Marc Perlof October 31, 2025
Fed Cuts Rates Again, Boosting Confidence in CRE Recovery In a closely watched decision, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate for the second consecutive month. The new target range of 3.75% to 4% reflects continued efforts to ease financial conditions and stabilize capital markets, even as economic signals remain mixed...
By Marc Perlof October 27, 2025
If you own retail real estate, here’s what might change for you. The hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE Local 11 is pushing a bold new initiative to raise the City of Los Angeles $30 minimum wage for all city employees by July 1, 2028¹. While the first ordinance covered hotel and airport workers, the union’s latest ballot measure would extend this wage citywide². As an expert in retail real estate, here’s what that means for your properties. Higher wages will immediately impact tenant affordability and rent-to-sales ratio calculations that drive lease viability. Many retailers operate with payroll costs at 25 to 35 percent of gross revenue, leaving little cushion for a wage that’s nearly double the current state minimum of $16/hour³. When margins tighten, tenants face a choice: raise prices, cut staff, or negotiate rent. For landlords, that translates into valuation pressure because commercial property values depend on stable rental income. The small business impact in Los Angeles could be profound. Independent restaurants, boutiques, and service operators, the lifeblood of local shopping centers, run on razor-thin profits. If forced to meet a $30 wage, some may relocate to cities like Burbank or Glendale, where municipal wage laws are lower, or close entirely⁴. That shift could spark short-term vacancy spikes and longer lease-up periods. Still, there’s a possible upside. When low-wage workers earn more, they spend more locally. For well-positioned centers with necessity-based tenants: grocers, pharmacies, quick-service restaurants, rising wages could strengthen revenue resilience. Key takeaways for retail landlords: Audit tenant financial health and exposure to rising payroll costs. Review lease clauses that address operating-cost pass-throughs. Model new rent-to-sales thresholds under a $30 wage scenario. Track tenant retention and market-rent shifts across nearby cities. Prepare for valuation adjustments as cap rates reflect greater income volatility. If you own retail real estate in the City of Los Angeles, now’s the time to stress-test your portfolio. Let’s review your leases before this wage shift hits. Call or DM me for more information. When the $30 wage arrives, will higher pay strengthen LA’s consumer base or hollow out the city’s small-business retail core? #LosAngeles30MinimumWage #RetailRealEstateInLosAngeles #TenantAffordabilityAndRentToSalesRatio #SmallBusinessImpactLosAngeles #CommercialPropertyValuesLosAngeles
By Marc Perlof October 24, 2025
Toys"R"Us opening 10 flagships, 20 seasonal shops — here are all the locations The brick and mortar comeback of Toys"R"Us is moving into high gear ahead of the toy industry’s busiest season. In September, the retailer said that, in partnership with Go! Retail Group, it was planning to open 10 flagships and 20 seasonal holiday shops in the U.S. by year's end...
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