STORE SPACES

Mooreseville, N.C. — Lowe’s has launched Lowe’s Innovation Lab, with a goal of creating new technology to solve common consumer frustrations while working alongside start-ups, universities, specialized professionals and other companies. The first concept to come out of the lab is the Lowe's Holoroom, a home improvement simulator that applies 3D and augmented reality technologies to provide homeowners an intuitive, immersive experience in their dream rooms.

Sydney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. on Wednesday announced plans for three new stores in three new markets: Huntsville, Alabama; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Woodbury, New York.

New York -- Global brand agency CBX will help Friendly Express update the design and branding of its 42-store network of community-focused convenience stores in southeast Georgia.

Under the assignment, the firm will update the chain’s logo and redesign the interiors and exteriors of its convenience stores, which range in size from 2,000 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft. Friendly Express stores, which also offer gasoline, are located in several different southeast Georgia communities, including Waycross, Jesup, Folkston, Brunswick, and St. Simons Island.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Westwood Contractors Inc. is expanding its presence with office space in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Previously, Westwood built a strong presence in the West Coast region, serving clients for 21 years through a regional office. After a one-year hiatus, the firm’s new location intensifies its connection and commitment to the area, according to the company.

Sweetwater, Fla. -- Ikea announced it had completed the installation of South Florida’s largest solar array, which will be plugged-in officially atop the future Miami-Dade Ikea store opening this summer in Sweetwater, Florida. Combined with rooftop arrays in Orlando, Tampa, and Sunrise, this fourth solar project will keep Ikea as the state’s largest non-utility solar owner.

Fairfield, Conn. - GE Lighting and ByteLight are introducing LED lighting fixtures that communicate with shoppers’ smart devices while in-store, enabling retailers to provide location-based services using GE LED infrastructure. ByteLight’s indoor location technology embedded inside GE LED fixtures will provide the ability to understand the precise location of shoppers using an opt-in application powered by ByteLight on their smartphones and tablets.

Irving, Texas - Texas-based lighting retailer IMW Internet Ventures LLC is opening its new online store at CedarParkLighting.com. CedarParkLighting.com offers a variety of lighting solutions and plans to continually update its inventory as new items are introduced.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reportedly plans to open 100 new stores under both its marquee and Hollister banners in China. According to China Daily, Abercrombie seeks to expand its presence in China during the next 10 years, and will also open a dedicated Chinese e-commerce site.