Shield Pals
Preferred Sq. Footage: 800-1,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 50
The new healthcare concept, which sells face masks, face guards, protective gowns and other PPE items would like to add 50 units by the end of the year, as well as possibly roll out a franchise store concept. The recent surge in need for these products should help push development along. Look for new locations throughout malls in the Mid-Atlantic, a possible store in the Mall of America and units along the West Coast. There is flexibility in store size and lease term. Indoor or outdoor malls, preferably near schools, universities and hospitals will be targeted.
Madewell
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,500-3,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 15-30
Clothing retailer Madewell expects to open 15 to 30 new units by early to mid-2022, in spite of the bankruptcy declaration by its parent brand, J.Crew. The chain looks for sites in affluent markets in the Midwest where it does not yet have a presence including Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas and Iowa, as well a Nevada. A 2,500-s.f. unit is expected to open before the end of the summer at a mixed-use shopping district in Chicago. The brand seeks locations in Class A upscale malls, lifestyle centers and mixed-use urban shopping districts.
Barbell Apparel
Preferred Sq. Footage: 3,000-3,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 10
The clothing retailer looks to open 10 stores before the end of 2020, with plans for increased nationwide expansion over the next three years. Barbell looks for potential space in New York, Dallas, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Sites in mid-range to affluent lifestyle centers, shopping centers and regional malls with high-traffic counts will be targeted.
FRAME Denim
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,550-3,400 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: TBD
The denim chain eyes expansion into Boston, Chicago, Austin, Texas, Georgetown, Washington, D.C., Palm Beach, Fla., and the Silicon Valley area of California. The company recently brought a new CEO on board to help oversee its brick-and-mortar expansion goals. Sites in upscale urban street fronts and lifestyle centers that cater to the luxury customer will be targeted.
