Consumer Electronics

Boston -- The Wilder Cos. announced the addition of Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts at two of its New Hampshire shopping centers.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts recently opened at Belknap Mall, the only enclosed shopping mall north of Concord. The new store joins Peebles Department Store, Shaw’s, Maurices, Lakes Region Jewelers, CVS and Dunkin Donuts at the 218,500-sq.-ft. mall.

Minneapolis -- In a video released by Best Buy and reported by Bloomberg, Best Buy Co. interim CEO Mike Mikan told employees on Thursday that his No. 1 priority in his new role is to execute the changes the company announced last month and plan a new direction for the retailer.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be working with our leadership team on a long-term vision, a path toward the future that will connect Best Buy with customers across multiple channels while improving performance,” Mikan said.
 

Woodland Hills, Calif. -- NewMark Merrill Cos. has announced the acquisition of Twin Peaks Mall in Boulder, Colo., as well as six new property management contracts totaling more than one million sq. ft.

The new property management assignments include six California centers: Simi Valley Town Center, Lancaster Plaza, Visalia Center, Topanga Willows, Paseo Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, and Page Plaza in Hemet.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — In honor of Earth Day, Sears Holdings is currently offering several discounts and product promotions designed to help customers improve their environmental performance. These include up to 25% off all Energy Star qualified appliances at Sears plus up to 25% off all dryers plus extra 5% off all appliances with your Sears card through April 19.

Boston -- Aberdeen Group’s 3rd annual Retail and Consumer Markets Summit, Retail on Broadway: Game-Changing Technologies -- Creating a Winning Game Plan, will be held May 1-2, at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, New York City.

HONG KONG — TV manufacturer TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings has entered into an agreement with Ikea for the development of its innovative concept of complete TV solutions that includes TV, sound system and furniture.

According to a TCL press release, the partnership will enable Ikea to offer customers designated electronic products integrated into furniture that are operated by only one remote controller, boasting the seamless blend of advanced technology and creative interior design.

On the banks of the Missouri River, in the northwest corner of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, historic St. Charles is home to more than 65,000 people. At the gateway to this fast-growing area, a “mini-city” is emerging: The Streets of St. Charles, developed by Cullinan Properties of Peoria, Ill., will deliver an enticing 1 million-sq.-ft. mixed-use community.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy on Saturday revealed the locations of the 50 stores that it is closing this year, including seven in California, six in Illinois and six in the company’s home state of Minnesota. The chain has already closed two locations: one in Missouri and one in Arizona.

Most of the remaining 48 stores will close by May 12, with three stores scheduled to close this summer.