Belk is incorporating its outlet concept in two of its Atlanta stores. The Charlotte-based retailer will bring that concept to Eastridge Mall in Gastonia and Triangle Town Center Mall in Raleigh.

Both sites have existing two-floor Belk locations. Plans call for converting the ground level into outlet space, while Traditional Belk stores will continue to operate on the second level. Both outlet stores are targeted for a spring opening.

With the opening of the outlet concept at Northlake Mall in Charlotte, Belk now has three outlet locations in North Carolina. The Charlotte Business Journal reports the outlet stores carry high-end, national designer brands as well as Belk’s brands marked down 60% to 85%. Belk has opened 17 outlet locations and 300 stores nationwide.

Belk underwent a restructuring in July 2024. The move cut nearly $1 billion in debt and secured $485 million in new capital.

Lightstone has acquired The Outlet Collection Seattle from Washington Prime Group for $82 million.

Located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, the Seattle Outlet Collection is an enclosed outlet center that spans 920,000 square feet. Lightstone has engaged seasoned industry professionals Nicholas King, formerly COO of Prime and Paragon Outlets, Michele Dawson and Scott Ferguson of FFO Real Estate Advisors to handle outlet tenant leasing, and Spinoso Real Estate Group to handle leasing. 

Upon acquisition by Lightstone, the firm plans to invest over $10 million in capital improvements and tenancy upgrades across the enclosed mall. “We see tremendous opportunity in this investment, and are looking forward to tapping into its full potential,” said David Lichtenstein, Chairman and CEO of Lightstone.

Currently operating at 98% occupancy, a selection of the mall’s tenants include Nordstrom Rack, Burlington, Best Buy, Dave & Busters, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Ulta, Coach, Nike, Adidas, and Michael Kors.

St. Augustine Outlets, like numerous malls throughout the US, closed during Covid. Mall owners had to figure out what to do with now-empty space. Thompson Thrift is moving ahead on Terrassa, a multifamily community, part of the redevelopment of the former St. Augustine retail center property off I-95. It will provide 324 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes offering up to nearly 1,400 square feet of living space.

Residents will have access to the area’s beaches and various local entertainment, shopping and dining options. Community amenities will include a 24-hour fully equipped fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, courtyards, community grilling areas, a pickleball court, an on-site dog park and pet spa with a grooming station. The 24-hour social hub will feature billiards, a coffee bar, private focus rooms and work area with a printing station.

The company expects to begin construction in July and complete it in fall 2026.