Consumer Electronics

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. — Pure Barre has leased space in two Chicagoland shopping centers, according to Mid-America Asset Management Inc., the firm representing the centers.

PB Holdco LLC, d/b/a Pure Barre took 1,845 sq. ft. at Church Street Plaza in Evanston, Ill., and opened in August. Co-tenants include CineMark Century Theatres, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Urban Outfitters, Cost Plus World Market and others.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Regional consumer electronics retailer Conn’s plans to more than double its footprint in Phoenix following second quarter results, which showed an 18.4% increase in same-store sales.

SAN FRANCISCO — Mavatar Technologies has appointed Phil Schlein, former president and CEO of Macy's California and partner at U.S. Venture Partners, as chairman of its board of directors. 

Retailers were already leery about the outlook for consumer spending this holiday season and reports Wednesday of record auto sales in August only add to the concern.

Both Walmart and Target reported disappointing second quarter sales and tempered their outlook for the full year. Conversely, car salespeople across the country were clinking champagne glasses and cashing commission checks as their employers, everyone from Mazda to Honda to Porsche and Ford, said August was a record month.

Big Lots overcame a 2.2% same store sales decline at its U.S. stores to post better than expected second quarter earnings, but indicated full year profits could be below the prior year.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods will celebrate the opening of its new store in Duluth, Minn., beginning on Sept. 6.

The Duluth location will be the retailer's ninth store in the state of Minnesota and its 529th nationwide.

The creators of eMobile POS and device manufacturer Cherry have teamed up to create a mobile POS product for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will be sold at Costco.com, according to the firms.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle has brought on Adam Cody as a VP in its Chicago office. He will work with executive VPs Lew Kornberg and Walter Wahlfeldt to expand the firm's retail tenant representation capabilities.