HOUSTON-The US Postal Service is trying out its new store concept at the Westchase facility, opening in January 2001 after being under construction for the past couple of years. The mission is to reduce waiting time via checkout line strategy.

TYSONS CORNER,VA-Bethesda Corner Specialty Retail Center, a 60,000-sf shopping center, is getting a $3.5-million renovation. Upscale furniture retailer Maurice Villency will anchor the center along with Parvizian Masterpieces.

PORTLAND-The 128-year-old retail institution based in Chicago said Thursday it has stopped buying new merchandise and is selling off remaining inventory en route to shutting down all 250 stores next month, of which 10 are in the Northwest.

ORLANDO-Orlando NTC Partners expects to start a nine-month, $1 million infrastructure program in July on the prime 1,100-acre property in east Orlando. The developer anticipates breaking ground in mid-2002 on its planned $1 billion mixed-use development at the former Orlando Naval Training Center.