Retail

The New Jersey retail landscape has changed, but the spending power of its residents hasn’t. Owners of malls, shopping centers and mixed-use projects will continue to adapt and invest in the state.

Office
Bell Works hires creative director to oversee building makeover

Somerset Development has hired a creative director to help it implement the transformation of the 2 million-square-foot former Bell Labs building into the mixed-use hub known as Bell Works.

Retail
‘Mini-city’ education center commits to American Dream project

An education-themed entertainment center is slated to occupy 80,000 square feet within the planned American Dream complex in East Rutherford, the operator said Monday.

People
Brunelli, former sales associate reunite after four years

A retail real estate executive with five decades of experience has returned to R.J. Brunelli & Co. after four years away from the firm.

Retail
Grocery-anchored retail center in Morris County fetches $51 million

A real estate investment trust has acquired the only grocery-anchored shopping center in Pompton Plains, in a $51 million deal brokered by HFF’s New Jersey office.

Professional Services
Family values: NAI Mertz has staked its claim in South Jersey, while keeping its nimble, ‘mom-and-pop’ feel over more than 35 years

NAI Mertz might be the largest independent commercial real estate brokerage in southern New Jersey, but Barry Mertz will never forget the company’s humble beginnings.

After all, working with his wife Faye is a daily reminder of how it all started.

Retail
LMC: Wireless carrier inks lease at Mercer shopping center

T-Mobile has leased 2,600 square feet at a 175,400-square-foot shopping center in Hamilton, according to brokers with Levin Management Corp.

Professional Services
Longtime retail broker joins Colliers

Colliers International Group Inc. has added to its brokerage team in New Jersey with the hiring of a 27-year retail industry veteran.

Government & Public Policy
All business: A decade later, Woodbridge mayor still has economic development at the top of his agenda

Since taking office in late 2006, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has emerged as one of the most development-friendly and pro-business mayors in all of New Jersey. He and his economic development team can boast a record that includes two new power plants, millions of square feet of warehouse space and dozens of new retailers, banks and eateries that have opened during that time.

Office
JLL: New Brunswick redevelopment has flexible design for tenants to ‘make a statement’

New Brunswick Development Corp. expects to begin site construction next month at a planned 1.7 million-square-foot redevelopment project in the heart of the Middlesex County seat.

Retail
Advance: Petco inks deal at Route 130 retail center

Petco has signed a 15,643-square-foot lease at Advance Realty’s recently repositioned shopping center in East Windsor, bringing the property to 90 percent occupancy.