Consumer Electronics

New York -- Best Buy Inc.’s president of U.S. retail stores, Shawn Score, 48, has retired, effective immediately, after spending 29 years with the company. His responsibilities will be assumed by Best Buy’s chief human resources officer, Shari Ballard.

Ballard joined Best Buy in 1993, and has served in a variety of executive positions, moving into the HR position in 2013. Ballard will continue to head up human resources in addition to taking on the new duties.

Extreme weather hurt Hhgregg’s sales performance in the fourth quarter ended March 31. During the quarter the company also exited the contract-based mobile phone business.

Net sales are estimated to be $538.3 million, a decrease of approximately 9.9% as compared to net sales of $597.6 million reported for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. Fourth fiscal quarter comparable store sales are estimated to have decreased approximately 9.9%.

Indianapolis – Hhgregg Inc. cited extreme weather as a major factor in preliminary sales declines it reported for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer estimates net sales to be approximately $538.3 million, a decrease of approximately 9.9% as compared to net sales of $597.6 million reported for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013.

Sam’s Club worked with SquareTrade, a leading protection plan provider, to launch a new program that expands members’ technology and electronics services and support, and helps reduce the cost of owning the latest technology.

From smartphones and tablets to cameras and televisions, Sam’s Club membership now includes exclusive warranty services available in clubs and at SamsClub.com that aim to simplify the technology purchasing, protection and upgrade experience.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Several Sears Outlet stores across the country have new owners. Locations in Oceanside, Ontario, and Corona, Calif., are now owned by Tony Lutfi. Lutfi and his team now own and operate 11 Sears Outlet stores, 17 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms and three Sears Appliance & Hardware Stores.

In addition, Sears Outlet stores Tempe and Gilbert, Ariz. have a new owner, Keith Edquist. Edquist also owns another Sears Outlet store and seven Sears Home Appliance Showrooms.

Washington, D.C. – Spurred by warmer spring weather, U.S. retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.8% adjusted month-to-month in March and 1.6% unadjusted year-over-year, according to estimates from the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Warmer spring weather spurred continued consumer spending and activity this March. According to the National Retail Federation, March retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.8% adjusted month-to-month and 1.6% unadjusted year-over-year.

Richmond, Va. — Divaris Real Estate has announced the signing of two retail leases in the greater Richmond suburb of Midlothian.

Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s has leased 7,449 sq. ft. in the Village at Swift Creek in Midlothian. The Richmond office of DRE represented the landlord, Swift Creek Associates. This will be Chuy’s second Richmond location. Chuy’s will join Guitar Center, Babies “R” Us, TGIF, Red Lobster and Cracker Barrel in the development.