Displays & Signs

While Best Buy is still the world’s largest consumer electronics chain, it’s no secret that the brand faces big questions about store size, format, and long-term viability in an evolving brick-and-mortar retail landscape. I found the recent announcement that Microsoft and Best Buy had reached an agreement to roll out dedicated Windows “stores” in 600 Best Buy locations across North America this summer to be somewhat surprising, but certainly in line with the needs of both companies.

New York -- Australian swimwear brand Seafolly will open its first U.S. freestanding store in October, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The company will open a 1,800-sq.-ft. location in Fashion Island mall, in Newport Beach, Calif. Seafolly has been selling its goods at select stores in the United States for about five years. It also does an exclusive line for Nordstrom, the report said.

FAIRFAX, Va. — ThinkGeek.com is taking the merchandise it offers on its e-commerce site to Booth #5541 at the San Diego Comic-Con, from July 17-21.

It’s not your father’s Pep Boys...not by a long shot. The auto parts and service retailer is testing a new store concept designed to extend its appeal beyond its core DIY-car enthusiasts audience to “do-it-for-me” drivers, which include many female customers.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has unveiled the next phase of its anti-bullying collaboration with pop group One Direction. The retailer will offer a limited-edition collection of back-to-school products and donate a percentage of sales to anti-bullying education.

The Von Maur department store chain was founded 140 years ago and less than a month from now the company will open its 27th store in Coralville, Iowa.
 
The 80,000-sq.-ft. freestanding store will be located at the Iowa River Landing retail development and feature the company’s signature exterior entrance and resident ambience.

Chicago -- Online grocer Peapod is taking its “virtual grocery store” concept on the road in a new promotional campaign. The company unveiled the concept at commuter rail stations in Chicago and the Northeast less than a year ago,

Peapod, a division of Ahold USA, will field trucks installed with digital billboards of grocery aisles at community recreation centers, coffee sleeves at local cafes, concert venues and other places.  

New York -- RadioShack Corporation has opened the first of the next generation of stores scheduled to roll out across the country and around the world over the next several months.