Appliances

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart will opens its stores at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, two hours earlier than a year ago. The retailer is also guaranteeing shoppers that it will have three of the most popular items it sells if they line up inside the store during a one-hour event that day.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Appliance manufacturer Electrolux has joined the effort to help with Sandy relief. The company has announced a $100,000 commitment to the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. In addition, the company will match employee contributions up to another $100,000.

Toronto -- Sears Canada said Friday it has unveiled four refreshed store concepts in Ontario, and Quebec, each featuring additional brands and product displays.

The Kitchen Shop now features small appliances organized by type and major appliances are displayed in gallery settings. A number of departments, including mattresses and footwear, have deepened product offerings and enhanced the merchandising of the lines.

Indianapolis -- Hhgregg reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 dropped to $3.8 million from $6 million last year. Sales dipped 5% to $587.6 million and same-store sales dropped 8.8%.

According to CEO Dennis May, the electronics and appliances retailer is testing new merchandise and, in the third quarter, will roll out furniture and exercise equipment to all stores. He also said the current fiscal 2013 outlook calls for 20 new store openings from a previous range of 20-22.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot said Monday it has completed its merger transaction with U.S. Home Systems, an exclusive supplier of kitchen and bath refacing products to the home-improvement chain.

The transaction was approved by the stockholders of USHS at a special meeting held on Oct. 26, and USHS’ common stock ceased trading on the Nasdaq at market close.

New York -- The Ikea Group plans to become energy and resource independent by 2020, according to the chain’s new “People & Planet Positive” sustainability initiative.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based Fameco Real Estate said that Party City and VisionWorks have signed leases at Upland Square, located in West Pottsgrove, Pa.
 
Party City has signed a lease for 9,000 sq. ft. and VisionWorks has signed a lease for 3,825 sq. ft. These retailers will join anchors Target, Giant, Best Buy, LA Fitness, TJ Maxx and Bed, Bath & Beyond at the 600,000-sq.-ft. power center.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — Samsung Electronics America has launched its cannister vacuums in the United States. The three new models feature reduced noise levels and innovative ergonomic design.

According to the company, the innovative airflow design reduces excessive noise, cutting down on the roaring vacuum sounds that can disturb everyone in the house. The units also feature unique design components with a carrying handle.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — GE's Brillion-enabled products have made their retail debut at Sears.

Starting Thursday, more than 100 Sears stores in the Northeast will offer the GE Get Connected Starter Kit, plus the GE programmable thermostat and GE’s award-winning GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater, all with Brillion technology, in one location.

New York -- Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. is set to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on Friday after Sears Holdings Corp. completed a spin-off transaction of the home appliances, hardware, tools and garden equipment retailer.

Sears Holdings received $446.5 million in proceeds in the transaction, including a $100 million dividend paid by Sears Hometown prior to the separation and about $347 million from a rights offering.