Weekly Perl: A Commercial Real Estate News Recap

Marc Perlof • September 26, 2025
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Petco thins its fleet with 25 store closings planned this year


Petco is set to close 25 stores this year, on top of the 25 it shuttered last year, as it becomes the latest retailer to trim its store fleet.

The San Diego-based company disclosed it was doing roughly two dozen closings when it reported second-quarter earnings recently. Petco's net sales of $1.5 billion decreased 2.3% compared with the prior-year period, and comparable sales dipped 1.4% year over year...


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

Chick-fil-A joins beverage-focused restaurant fray

Chick-fil-A is expanding way beyond sweet tea.


The Atlanta-based chicken chain said it plans to open a new beverage-focused restaurant concept, Daybright, this fall in the Atlanta area.


“Daybright is brought to you by Red Wagon Ventures LLC, which is a subsidiary of Chick-fil-A,” the chain said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing more details in the future!”...

A car is parked in front of a sign that says 223

Toys”R”Us to open 10 U.S. flagships by year-end; locations include…

Toys”R”Us is expanding its footprint at home and abroad as it gears up for the toy industry's busiest season.

The toy retailer, in partnership with Go! Retail Group, said it is planning to open 10 new flagships and 20 seasonal holiday shops in the U.S. by year's end...

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

Forever 21 shifts to ‘digital-first;’ seeks U.S. partner for physical stores


Teen apparel brand Forever 21 will live on in the U.S. 


Authentic Brands Group announced new operating partners to drive the digital growth, wholesale expansion and kidswear innovation of Forever 21 as it transitions to a “digital-first” brand in the United States. (Earlier this year, Forever 21’s U.S. licensee, F21 OpCo, filed for bankruptcy. The Forever 21 IP is wholly owned by Authentic. )...

Office Depot parent company to be acquired in deal valued at $1 billion


Office Depot is going private.


The ODP Corp., whose portfolio includes Office Depot and OfficeMax, ODP Business Solutions and distribution logistics service provider Veyer, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of private equity group Atlas Holdings, which owns a global network of manufacturing and distribution businesses, for $28 per share in cash...

First major retailer reopens in Pacific Palisades after wildfires


CVS Pharmacy is the first major retailer to reopen in Pacific Palisades months after one of California’s worst wildfires on record tore through the area, destroying dozens of businesses.


The pharmacy celebrated the reopening of its location at 864 Swarthmore Ave. this week. It’s one of the first businesses to return since the wildfires destroyed nearly 5,500 single-family homes and dozens of apartment buildings, stores and offices...


Save A Lot spends summer reopening 27 stores

Save A Lot, based in St. Ann, Mo., has resumed operations under its brand name in 27 stores across Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The move follows a rebranding effort in 2024 that the company stated was improperly executed.



The company said it has worked to bring these locations in line with its operational and financial standards. The stores have resumed offering a range of food and household items, including private label and national brand products...

Starbucks Announces More Layoffs and Store Closures as Comeback Plan Continues


The next step in Starbucks comeback plan? Closures and more layoffs. 


The coffee giant announced Thursday that it is eliminating 900 corporate roles and closing many open positions. This comes after cutting 1,100 corporate positions earlier in 2025. These layoffs do not impact in-store employees...

Retail seasonal hiring to fall to lowest level since 2009


Retailers may be doing more than less this holiday when it comes to staffing stores and other facilities for the seasonal rush. 


Seasonal hiring announcements by retailers remain muted as the industry gears up for the holidays, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas’ “2025 Seasonal Hiring Report..."

When it comes to securing more space, retailers keep their foot on the gas


Retailers are navigating a complex landscape marked by rising costs from elevated tariffs as increasingly cautious consumers pull back on spending. However, retailers also keep leasing space at a torrid pace, underscoring the strategic importance of securing desired locations in a supply-constrained environment...

By Marc Perlof September 22, 2025
Hey, Retail Real Estate Rockstars! Property owners could lose tens of thousands in federal tax savings on building upgrades starting July 2026. The Big Beautiful Law (H.R. 1) ends the Energy Tax Deduction for Commercial Buildings (§ 179D) . If you’ve been counting on tax savings for energy upgrades like HVAC, lighting, or windows, here’s what you need to know to plan smart. What § 179D Gave You vs. What’s Changing Before, § 179D let building owners (including retail landlords) take tax deductions for energy-saving improvements, things like LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, and better insulation or windows. These deductions often meant real money saved when making upgrades. Now, under H.R. 1: Starting July 1, 2026 , new construction or upgrade projects will no longer qualify for § 179D deductions¹. That means no tax savings for HVAC, lighting, or other energy upgrades if work begins after June 30, 2026 . Projects already started before that date may still qualify. Key Points The energy tax deduction (§ 179D) ends for projects that begin after June 30, 2026¹. Retail owners planning upgrades should move quickly to use the benefit before it disappears. Budgets, return on investment (ROI), and financial models need to be updated for this change. Data You Should Know § 179D savings were often measured in dollars per square foot of upgrades across lighting, HVAC, and building envelope systems². The repeal impacts all commercial building owners starting new projects after mid-2026¹. For example, a $250,000 HVAC upgrade that qualified under § 179D could deliver $25,000–$50,000 in tax deductions, savings that disappear once the repeal takes effect. Without § 179D, payback periods could stretch longer with ROI dropping by 10–20% on similar projects². What This Means for Your Property If you’ve been planning energy-efficient upgrades and counting on § 179D: Your ROI will be lower — you’ll need to depend on state programs, utility rebates, or direct energy savings. Any deals assuming § 179D must be re-checked and adjusted. Getting upgrades done before June 30, 2026 can help maintain property value since future buyers won’t have this tax break. If you’re a retail property owner looking at upgrades, whether for lighting, HVAC, windows, or insulation, this repeal changes the game. Let’s review your projects, see if they can begin in time to qualify, and adjust your cash flow plan. Call or DM me to map out your best move. With § 179D ending on June 30, 2026, what upgrades will you push forward now and will they still hold value once the tax break is gone? #179DRepeal #EnergyEfficientTaxDeduction #CommercialBuildingUpgrades #TaxSavingsForHVACLighting #HR1EnergyTax
By Marc Perlof September 19, 2025
7 Brew’s Second-Largest Franchisee Sold to FEP One of QSR’s fastest-growing concepts is getting another accelerant. Franchise Equity Partners, a private investment firm with $1 billion of committed capital, announced Tuesday it’s acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew—the second-largest franchise owner of rapidly expanding beverage chain 7 Brew. As part of the deal, FEP will carry out 7 Crew’s existing development agreement to open more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 it currently directs...
By Marc Perlof September 12, 2025
Cherished Malibu Seafood Shack The Reel Inn May Rebuild After State Reversal  Malibu’s one-of-a-kind seafood spot, The Reel Inn, may once again serve its signature fish puns and fried and grilled platters on Pacific Coast Highway after the state reversed its earlier position that blocked the restaurant’s return, according to Eater LA...
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