Store Systems

Indianapolis - Hhgregg has redeveloped a store in Columbus, Ohio, with a new store format. Developed by real estate company Casto, the store opened Sept. 18, and employs 26 associates.

“Working with Casto to update the Sawmill location allows us to best serve our loyal Columbus-area customers,” said Dennis May, Hhgregg CEO. “Our best-in-class products and expert sales associates make this and our five other Columbus-area stores a destination for a superior appliance, furniture and electronics shopping experience.”

Foothills Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal named Jon Kubo as executive VP and chief digital officer, a newly created position, effective Oct. 6. Kubo will oversee e-commerce, digital marketing and the information technology organization to integrate digital consumer experiences across all business touch points.

GameStop plans to hire approximately 25,000 employees nationwide as the company prepares for the upcoming holiday shopping season — nearly double the number of people it hired last year.

Simon has long been known as one of the pre-eminent players in retail real estate and shopping center management and development. But with the formation of a new venture capital division, Simon Venture Group, and partnership with Plug and Play, a global investor and technology accelerator that specializes in growing tech startups, Simon is looking to take a leading role in retail IT, as well.

Fort Worth, Texas - Rice Management Company and Trademark Property Company have acquired a three-building, 193,000-sq.-ft. retail property portfolio in Rice Village, today collectively named the Village Arcade. Trademark and Rice plan to completely revitalize the properties by significantly upgrading the merchandising mix, facades and site amenities and considering a rebranding.

Indianapolis – Hhgregg plans to hire more than 450 home electronics and home appliances sales associates this holiday season to support its 228 stores. Hhgregg is accepting applications for holiday positions starting Sept. 25, and plans to have all new hires on board and in stores by mid-October.

The retailer is seeking to hire both full-time and part-time associates, and though the positions are immediately needed for the holiday shopping season, all new hires will be considered for ongoing employment.

Walmart has been on a building boom in Northwest Arkansas. Small-format Express stores have been open now for several years, the new convenience concept Walmart To Go opened earlier this year and the latest development is a hybrid concept that allows online grocery orders to be picked up at a dedicated drive-through facility.

By David Dorf, senior director of technology strategy for Oracle Retail