Hhgregg plans 20 new stores in Chicago

Indianapolis -- Electronics and appliances retailer Hhgregg said Friday it is planning to open as many as 20 new stores in the Chicago market this fall.



According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the openings would make the Chicago area the largest market for the chain, with 11% of its 174 stores.



Hhgregg is leasing former Circuit City, Linens ’n Things and Wickes Furniture sites, and plans to open a DC to support the Chicagoland expansion, it said.



Executive VP and COO Gregg Throgmartin told the Tribune that the retailer is "absolutely" eyeing some of the 200 storefronts marked for closure by the bankrupt Borders Group, which would support its ultimate goal of becoming a national 600-store chain.



Hhgregg has opened 46 stores over the last year and plans to open 35 to 45 more this year.