Consumer Electronics

Bentonville , Ark. -- Walmart announced that most of its stores will open their doors at midnight on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Starting at 12 a.m. on Nov. 26, shoppers can head to the Walmart Open House for big savings on popular toys, apparel and home goods, the company reported. Then, beginning at 5 a.m., Walmart said it will kick off its electronics event, including discounted prices on HDTVs, laptops, gaming systems and cameras.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the Commerce Department said that retail sales beat expectations for October, climbing 1.2% and representing the biggest gain since March.

The 1.2% rise in October purchases followed a 0.7% gain in September, which also was larger than estimated.

Winter Park, Fla. -- Orlando, Fla.-based Crossman & Co. said that Publix will open a new store at Aloma Shopping Center, in Winter Park, Fla., on Nov. 18.

The original store was demolished last April and the newly constructed store has been expanded by more than 5,000 sq. ft. The new 47,000-sq.-ft. facility includes a liquor store.

Crossman & Co. has been overseeing the redevelopment of the property and handles the leasing and management at the shopping center. 

New York City -- A report released Thursday said that Barnes & Noble has launched a test of store-in-store toy boutiques at a few select locations, in order to boost sales and fill shelf space.

According to a report by Reuters, the retailer has opened five 3,000-sq.-ft. play areas over the last week, featuring educational toys and games.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it opened the second phase of Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, Texas.

The 114,000-sq.-ft. expansion brings the property to a total of 541,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area (GLA) and 145 stores.