Consumer Electronics

Best Buy is strengthening its commitment to educating Canadian kids about technology with the launch of a Geek Squad Academy.

Japanese retailer Uniqlo's U.S. expansion is picking up speed as the company prepares to open its first-ever stores in the Seattle, Denver and Washington, D.C.

New York -- Brand consultancy Interbrand has come up with a fascination list of “must sees,” or 10 inspiring retail experiences (as of April 2015).
 
Here are the company’s picks:

• Selfridges, London

• Dover Street Market, London and New York

San Francisco - Shopping activity in March 2015 was relatively flat compared to the same month the prior year, yet rebounded from a lethargic and wintery February. According to new monthly benchmark data from Euclid Analytics, traffic declined less than expected year-over-year due to holiday shopping for an early-April Easter.

In-store engagement improved significantly year-over-year, as consumers’ desire to spend re-emerged after a subdued winter. Euclid estimates sales growth in the following retail verticals of:

Austin, Texas -- GBT Realty Corp. announced its acquisition of a prime retail site in the heart of one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas and the U.S. Located in Cedar Park, Texas – a community that has grown over 400% since 2004 – Lakeline Commons is a 1.43-acre site that is shadow-anchored by Target and adjacent to The Home Depot.  

GBT acquired the north Austin outparcel for $1.6 million on March 19 from Regions Bank.  No additional terms are available.

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded its 2015 Energy Star Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award to Kohl’s Department Stores and Staples in recognition of the companies’ continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency initiatives.

Chicago -- West Marine will celebrate the grand opening of its Chicago flagship on Thursday, April 23, and continuing through Sunday, April 26.

At 20,000 sq. ft., the Halsted Street location will be the largest West Marine store in the Midwest. The new store will include such features as a state-of-the-art marine electronics display with over 100 units that shoppers can touch and test, and a dedicated "Paddle World" featuring a huge selection of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, plus a broad range of paddling accessories.

Chicago -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation’s Investment Sales team recently brokered the sale of Summit Crossing located in Crown Point, Indiana. The 11,859-sq.-ft. center was purchased by a California-based private investor for $3.2 million.
 
Summit Crossing is located at the southeast corner of Route 55 and East Summit Street in Crown Point, in the Chicago MSA. The 100% leased center features a tenant mix that includes ATI Physical Therapy, Advance Auto Parts, Supercuts and Starbucks.