RCS Real Estate Advisors, a leading national retail real estate advisory firm, closed out a banner 2025 with a series of high-impact wins, executing complex lease negotiations, portfolio restructurings and expansion strategies for some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands. Throughout the year, RCS partnered with hallmark retailers including Claire’s, Lids, Cole Haan, Perfumania and The Fragrance Outlet as well as True Religion to stabilize portfolios, unlock growth and position brands for long-term performance amid an unpredictable retail landscape. As retail continues to evolve, RCS heads into 2026 with momentum, deep market insight and a commitment to helping brands adapt, grow and win in an increasingly dynamic environment.
“Retail today requires far more than one-off transactions; it demands a portfolio-first, strategic approach,” said Ivan Friedman, President and CEO of RCS Real Estate Advisors. “At RCS, we align real estate strategy with broader business objectives – whether that means rightsizing footprints, optimizing lease structures or supporting targeted growth. Our role is to help retailers navigate complexity with clarity and confidence, building portfolios designed to perform over the long term, including helping preserve and strengthen iconic brands like Claire’s.”
During a year marked by elevated retail distress, RCS played a pivotal role in Ames Watson’s acquisition of Claire’s Holdings LLC (“Claire’s”) business operations in North America. Following a vastly accelerated due diligence and lease negotiation process, as the outsourced real estate department of record, the firm acted swiftly and secured agreements that preserved more than 800 Claire’s stores nationwide, safeguarding thousands of jobs and enabling the iconic tween retailer to continue serving communities across the U.S. and Canada.
RCS also deepened its longstanding partnership with Lids, the global leader in licensed sports headwear and apparel, to support the brand’s multi-concept expansion strategy. Through the execution of new lease agreements, Lids expanded its footprint by more than 30,000 square feet, rolling out a range of formats – including traditional Lids stores, Lids Locker Room as well as Team Clubhouse and Flagship stores – in key U.S. markets.
Additionally, RCS supported other growth initiatives for retailers including Cole Haan, Perfumania and The Fragrance Outlet. Leveraging deep market intelligence and hands-on negotiation expertise, RCS guided site selection and leasing efforts to secure high-quality locations aligned with each brand’s long-term strategy.
Earlier in 2025, RCS supported True Religion’s strategic expansion with new stores in key U.S. markets spanning Las Vegas, Baton Rouge and New York City, supporting site selection for prime locations that reflect the brand’s refreshed retail vision. RCS was further retained by Forever 21 to market and sell its U.S. lease portfolio, unlocking rare opportunities across hundreds of prime locations nationwide while maximizing lease value.
As retail dynamics continue to evolve, RCS remains focused on supporting leading brands through every stage of the retail lifecycle. RCS’s 2025 momentum builds on a standout 2024, marked by supporting PureGym’s North American expansion and acquisition-driven growth, alongside guiding Express through a complex restructuring of its national footprint. Entering 2026 with a robust deal pipeline and strong momentum, RCS is well-positioned to help retailers advance portfolio optimization and disciplined growth strategies nationwide.
About RCS Real Estate Advisors
Founded in 1981, RCS Real Estate Advisors (RCS) is a leading national retail real estate advisory firm that provides innovative, tenant-centric solutions for complex real estate challenges. RCS’s team of industry veterans use their in-depth retail knowledge and experience to fight tenaciously for their clients’ long-term success. RCS maximizes returns and protects its clients from entering into bad agreements, with a deal-structure mindset rooted in a forward-looking, risk-averse approach. The firm specializes in reducing occupancy costs, restructuring leases and expanding physical footprints.
RCS excels at identifying and exploiting investment and expansion opportunities because it sees the world through retailers’ eyes. For more than four decades, retailers have trusted RCS to strike the best, most favorable lease terms, preserve profitable locations, select the best sites for expansion and growth, and monetize real estate. For more information, visit: https://rcsrealestate.com/about-us/
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