Consumer Electronics

LOS ANGELES — Guitar Center has announced the appointment of Michael Amkreutz to the position of executive VP, marketing, merchandising and E-Commerce, for the Guitar Center brand.  He joins the retailer from Systemax North American Technologies, where he most recently held the role of chief marketing officer.

Hamilton, Bermuda – Signet Jewelers Ltd. has named Daniel Shull as its first CIO effective Jan. 5, 2015. As CIO, Shull will be responsible for Signet's IT systems across its three divisions.

SAN FRANCISCO — Researching and browsing gifts on mobile far outranks purchasing items (whether at home or in a competitor’s store), and even coveted millennial shoppers are heading to the store or laptop to complete major purchases, according to a study by RichRelevance.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone Inc. will appoint senior retail executive Thomas M. Via as president and CEO, and as a member of its board of directors, effective Dec. 1. Steven H. Schwartz, who had been serving as interim CEO, will resume his role as chief merchandising officer.  

A Toys“R”Us executive will take over the top post at Brookstone, the product development company and specialty retailer that emerged from bankruptcy this year after being bought by a group of Chinese investors.

“We were impressed by Tom's success at rejuvenating businesses and by his broad and deep achievements as a senior executive in the retail industry,” Piau Phang Foo, chairman of the board of directors, said. “He has demonstrated success at driving innovation and growth globally."

Chicago -– During the upcoming winter, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will convert nearly 6,000-sq.-ft. of open space into four new retail destinations by welcoming M•A•C Cosmetics, Desigual and Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and opening a larger, renovated House of Hoops by Foot Locker. M•A•C Cosmetics opens in December, followed later in the winter by global apparel retailer Desigual.  

Los Angeles -- Guitar Center has named retailing veteran Darrell Webb as president and CEO, effective Nov. 17, 2014.    Webb previously served as chairman and CEO of Sports Authority from 2011 to 2013.   

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack's Fix It Here! same-day mobile repair service is now available in 30 stores in the Houston area, adding to 650 stores already in play and plans to roll the service out to 750 stores by year end.   The service allows smartphone and tablet owners to have common issues such as cracked screens, broken buttons and damaged charging ports repaired in-store and same-day. Repairs start at $39.99 and include a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.