Charlotte News for week of 8/24/03

[JunktionFET]

SouthPark, Brooke Gordon make high-end moves

Ashley M. Gibson

SouthPark mall officials have secured a slate of retailers for the posh Nordstrom wing, many of them new to the Charlotte region. "We are really kicking off our main campaign leading up to the grand opening (of the new wing) on March 12," says Julie Harrell, mall spokeswoman. "We are really proud to have all this exclusivity."

Brighton, an upscale purveyor of leather accessories, eyewear and fragrances, has secured 1,500 square feet and anticipates opening in November. Sur La Table, a high-end kitchen and table accessory retailer, has taken the largest spot at 5,500 square feet and plans a mid-October opening. Janie and Jack will open its first Carolinas store in 1,500 square feet in November, featuring clothing and accessories for wee ones up to size 3T.

Lucky Brand will move into 2,000 square feet and be open by Christmas. Known for its chic jeans, the store has only one other North Carolina location in Durham.

Bringing a bit of France to SouthPark, L'Occitaine is opening a bath, body and skin-care store in 800 square feet and will be open by Christmas. The Four Seasons hotel chain contracts with L'Occitaine to provide personal-care items to its hotels. "With this little collection of stores opening, finding one-of-a-kind gifts in Charlotte won't be a problem," Harrell says. "We are thrilled with all the activity."

Other changes at the mall include the ongoing relocation of the Food Court to the wing formerly anchored by Sears. That will open in mid-2004. Demolition of the Sears building is tentatively set to start in October.

More here: http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte...5/tidbits1.html

[JunktionFET]

City may land LP HQ relocation

J. Lee Howard

Senior staff writer

Louisiana-Pacific Corp. is considering Charlotte for the possible relocation of its Portland, Ore., headquarters.

The building-supply giant confirms the Queen City is in the running, along with Nashville, Tenn., and Richmond, Va.

Louisiana-Pacific operates six administrative offices in North America and is working with a consultant to decide whether to combine them at one site, says David Dugan, LP spokesman.

The company hasn't determined how many workers such an operation would employ, Dugan says.

Companywide, Louisiana-Pacific employs about 7,900 in 44 facilities. Its existing main office employs about 160 in 122,000 square feet it leases in Portland's Fox Tower.

Dugan says he isn't certain how large a combined office might be. But local real estate sources estimate the probable size at about 200,000 square feet.

"A lot of things still need to be decided," Dugan says, adding LP officials will likely choose a site within 60 days. "We could put all our administrative offices in one location. That remains an option. But our key consideration is determining which of our functions need that daily, face-to-face interaction."

If Louisiana-Pacific leaves Oregon, Charlotte may have an advantage over its Southeastern rivals. The company already operates a 60-person sales and marketing office here.

More here: http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte.../25/story1.html