STORE SPACES

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.

Yorba Linda, Calif. -- For the first time, lighting professionals expect to install more LED than fluorescent fixtures over the coming year, according to the fourth annual lighting by Precision-Paragon [P2].    

When asked what is the dominant lighting technology they expect to install in 2014, 49% of respondents selected LED, and 46% indicated fluorescent. Asked the same question last year, 26% selected LED, and 68% indicated fluorescent.

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.

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.

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.