RCS Real Estate Advisors Highlights 2023 Company Achievements

Mar 14 2024

NEW YORK (March 13, 2024) — RCS Real Estate Advisors (RCS), the preeminent retail real estate advisors where results are guaranteed, celebrates its 2023 company achievements, including the successful opening of 33 new stores, securing 21 additional leases and the signing of 182,564 square feet of retail space. Long-standing partnerships with Cole Haan, Lids, Francesca’s, Savers and Lolli & Pops contributed to this success. RCS also forged new, impactful partnerships with major brands like Walgreens, True Religion, Designer Brands Inc. (DSW) and Obsession Holdings Inc. (The Fragrance Outlet and Perfumania).

“We’re incredibly proud of these notable milestones and the RCS team’s pivotal role in making them happen,” said Ivan L. Friedman, President and CEO of RCS Real Estate Advisors. “We’ve solidified ties with valued clients, inked game-changing partnerships, and as we dive into the new year, we’re primed to spot key retail locations, nail prime storefront launches and cultivate impactful connections and deals on behalf of our clients.”

Throughout 2023, RCS helped lead Francesca’s expansion efforts, opening 19 new stores and securing five additional leases. This effort significantly increased Francesca’s storefront presence, positioning the brand for sustained growth. Although RCS has concluded its engagement with Francesca’s, negotiations for a 70-store renewal package with a major landlord are currently underway.

RCS contributed to True Religion’s growth by renegotiating leases and expanding its presence in the U.S. retail market. RCS assisted Savers in securing a lease for over 25,000 square feet at The Plaza at Cherry Hill. Additionally, RCS opened six Lids stores in central, top-tier locations, while aiding Cole Haan with the opening of four stores.

In the latter half of the year, RCS partnered with Perfumania & Fragrance Outlet to lead their growth, aiming to establish the 220-store chain in high-traffic malls and retail centers. RCS serves as both brands’ outsourced real estate department, actively seeking new stores and negotiating lease extensions.

RCS concluded its short-term portfolio management engagement with Designer Brands Inc. (DSW). However, RCS is still actively seeking new locations for DSW. Additionally, RCS retains restructuring partnerships with Lids, Cole Haan and Cost Plus World Markets, among others, which will continue into the new year.

Lease executions are underway for RCS partners, including Fan Outfitters and OrangeTwist, with over 30 locations in the pipeline. RCS anticipates sustained expansion for its clients and partnerships with new retailers in 2024.

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://www.rcsrealestate.com/about-us/