Consumer Electronics

The power of Bass Pro Shops’ brand of retail was evident at the company’s newest store opening this week as shoppers were undeterred by a massive traffic jam and a lack of parking, which forced some grand opening attendees to walk nearly a mile for a look inside.

For the shoppers who did make it to the store before the doors swung open at 6:30 p.m., onlookers were treated to a host of celebrity appearances on a stage erected in the front parking lot, including:

Minneapolis -- Best Buy is moving further ahead in its quest to make shopping across platforms as easy as possible for consumers.

The retailer, in partnership with American Express, has integrated new technology that allows Amex card members enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program to use their points for online purchases on BestBuy.com.

Chicago -- J. Crew Group’s new value-priced store concept has announced a second location.

Mercantile, which recently made its national debut at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas, will open at The Mayfair Collection, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
   

Best Buy is taking another leap forward in its quest to make shopping across platforms as easy as possible for consumers.

The retailer, in partnership with American Express, has integrated new technology that allows Amex card members enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program to seamlessly use their points for online purchases on BestBuy.com. In addition card members can use their membership rewards points for all or part of each online purchase and either pick it up in one of Best Buy’s stores or have it delivered to their doors.

New York -- The big spenders are at Costco.

People spent 149% more at Costco than at other retailers, according to mobile-location firm Placed, which linked store spending to tracked locations. Best Buy BJs, Sam's Club and Ikea also ranked high, Advertising Age reported.

The spring and summer has brought with it a flurry of new store concepts, from established players, international newcomers and online stars. Check out the six below.

Milan, Italy – No matter how popular a company’s products might be, if they can’t reach consumers they won’t sell.

Global eyewear retailer Luxottica Group is recognizing this basic business fact with a new strategy to substantially increase distribution capacity in the U.S., China and Italy.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples Inc. is enthusiastically jumping into the brand new market for the Windows 10 operating system, set for release on July 29. Starting July 29, customers can purchase the latest devices optimized for Windows 10 online at Staples.com and upgrade eligible devices to Windows 10 for free with Staples EasyTech Services.