Consumer Electronics

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Music retailer, Guitar Center, has announced that Mike Pratt has been appointed CEO and a member of the company's board of directors effective April 1. Pratt succeeds Marty Hanaka, the company's Interim CEO, who will remain on the board and assist in the transition.

WABAN, Mass. — Sam's Club and Amazon were among the retailers that earned top marks for customer service, according to the consulting firm Temkin Group.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

Colton, Calif. -- The Hodgdon Group announced that it has completed construction of the conversion of a former Babies "R" Us building at Eastland Center in West Covina, Calif., for the opening of an Ashley Furniture HomeStore on March 15.

Hodgdon Group's HMC Construction handled all entitlements and served as the design-build contractor for the major renovation of the 42,000-sq.-ft. freestanding building. The West Covina location, in Eastland Center, represents the 15th Ashley Furniture HomeStore to be completed by the Hodgdon Group.

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said that Soma Intimates recently opened its first location in the area at Cherry Hill Mall, in Cherry Hill, N.J. The 2,800-sq.-ft. store is the newest addition to a vibrant mall that is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s, and J.C. Penney and features Apple, A/X Armani Exchange, Crate and Barrel, H&M, Henri Bendel, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Michael Kors, Sephora, Teavana, The Art of Shaving, The Container Store, The North Face, True Religion and Urban Outfitters.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Tuesday by consulting firm Temkin Group revealed, among retailers, Sam’s Club and Amazon earned top marks.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

DAYTON, Ohio — Interbrand, a consultancy, has named Walmart the most valuable retail brand for 2013. The retailer retained its top spot from 2012.

Rising through the ranks were Macy's, which increased brand value by 62% and moved up nine spots on the list to #40 and Amazon.com, which moved up to #4 on the list, growing brand value by 46%. 

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target will soft open 21 locations across Southwestern Ontario, including 17 locations on March 19 and four locations on March 28.  The soft openings follow the launch of three pilot stores and will allow Target to continue to engage in volume testing ahead of grand opening in early April. The 21 new locations are in addition to pilot stores in Guelph, Milton and Fergus, and will complete the 24 stores scheduled to open in March. Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013.

PARK CITY, Utah — Skullcandy has appointed Hoby Darling as president and CEO effective immediately.