STORE SPACES

Verizon Wireless has set itself an ambitious goal: to transform the in-store experience across its entire fleet of 1,700 company-owned stores.

In November, the company unveiled its “destination store” format, in Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn. More than about selling phones and other devices, the 9,000-sq.-ft. store is designed to help customers experience a more robust mobile life.

San Diego -- Best Buy is updating its home theater departments with in-store Sony shops. Beginning in May, Sony Electronics will start opening “Sony Experience at Best Buy” shops at approximately 350 Best Buy locations nationwide.

Toano, Va. - Net income at Lumber Liquidators decreased 13.2% to $13.7 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to $15.8 million in the same period the prior year. During fiscal 2014, the retailer intends to open 35 to 40 new store locations in the expanded showroom format and remodel 25 to 30 existing stores in the expanded showroom format.

New York -- Forever 21 will debut a new retail concept on May 3, at Azalea Shopping Center in South Gate, California. Called F21 Red, the format will offer fast-fashion and low prices.

The new concept will offer a larger selection of starting price points, including $1.80 camisoles and $7.80 denim for women and girls, according to a report by California Apparel News. The men’s selection will include T-shirts and tank tops for $3.80.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. has remodeled a Sears Hometown store in Helena, Mont. The store now has a fresh look.

Miami - Burger King Corp. is launching AT&T Wi-Fi services for all of its U.S. restaurants. The upgraded platform, "Whopper Wi-Fi,” replaces and upgrades current restaurant Wi-Fi networks.

Benefits of the new, streamlined Wi-Fi platform include customizable set-up and consistent service at all stores.

West Chester, Pa. – QVC Inc. plans to expand its European presence into France. With the launch of the new service scheduled for the second quarter of 2015, QVC will expand its e-commerce business to seven operations reaching nine countries.

New York -- Chain Store Age and IFTI will present a free webinar on moisture-related flooring problems on Thursday, April 24, at 2 p.m. ET. Industry expert Lee Eliseian will share insights on the critical role concrete-slab moisture testing plays in preventing flooring failures and offer tips on how to avoid the financial impact and headache of such failures.

Click here for more information and to register.