STORE SPACES

One of the world's fastest-growing character brands opens Times Square flagship
An Asian brand whose characters were originally created for use as emoticons on a mobile messenger app has opened its first store in North America. Line Friends, whose characters include whimsical-looking bears, ducks, bunnies and more, has opened a 4,628-sq.-ft. flagship in Manhattan's Times Square as part of the company's global expansion efforts. It currently operates 84 locations in 11 countries around the globe.
Promotion at Nest
Nest, a leading consultative advisor and technology provider specializing in multi-facility maintenance and construction services, announced the promotion of James Porreca to director of estimating and construction. Due to recent growth and client demands, Nest made the commitment to add a new division to the company that will help serve their clients’ needs in a more enhanced way.

Department store retailer plans $40 million investment in remodels, new stores

Not all department store retailers are closing stores. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Belk said it plans to open three new stores, part of a nearly $40 million investment in store remodels, capital improvements and new store openings in 2017.
Best Buy creates 'Dyson experiences'

A consumer electronics giant is making a move to grab some wallet share from the home category. Starting in August, Best Buy is adding Dyson Demo Experiences – dedicated spaces that will let customers try out Dyson products. Approximately 90 Best Buy stores in the United States will feature the new interactive sections, which will be designed for shoppers to test merchandise.
Home goods retailer enters new international territory

Williams-Sonoma is making its debut in South Korea. By entering into a strategic franchise agreement with home goods retailer Hyundai Livart Furniture, Williams-Sonoma opened a combined Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids store, as well as a West Elm store in South Korea’s Hyundai City Mall Garden 5. A Williams Sonoma location opened at Hyundai Department store Mokdong. These are the first of 30 stores that Williams-Sonoma plans to open across the country over the next 10 years, according to the retailer.
Build-A-Bear Workshop narrows its loss in Q2, plans new stores

While Build-A-Bear Workshop continues to navigate amid declining store traffic, the company continues to open new stores. Build-A-Bear plans to reopen a location in the Southern California market at the end of September. The company recently closed a store operating in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California.
See’s Candies to open new stores in The Golden State

A specialty retailer continues to expand its breadth. See’s Candies plans to open nearly a dozen new or relocated stores by the end of 2017. All new locations will set up shop in California. The new stores will be located in San Jose, Castro Valley, Manhattan Beach, Paso Robles, Laguna Hills, Glendale and Calabasas. The new locations come on the heels of new shops that have previously opened or moved this year into new or larger locations in Escondido, Windsor and Pleasant Hill, California.
Wireless carrier expands store network

Sprint continues to expand its presence — this time in the Midwest. The wireless carrier plans to add 30 new retail stores and more than 200 jobs throughout Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska by the end of 2017. The new jobs will include a combination of retail, operations and technical experts.
Discounter ups the ante on hydrogen fuel cells for lift trucks

Walmart is stepping up efforts to drive energy efficiency across its distribution network. The discount giant is adopting fuel cells and hydrogen stations from provider Power Plug — a move that will bolster its energy efficiency at up to 30 more locations. Walmart already has Plug Power fuel cells installed at 22 distribution centers, according to USA Today.
Toy retailer’s concept store steps up digital game

Toys “R” Us is pulling out the stops to engage its in-store shoppers. The toy retailer describes its concept store in Langley, British Columbia, as “the evolution of our digital future.” To maintain this reputation, Toys “R” Us is partnering with Cineplex Digital Media, and adding an in-store digital signage and kiosk network.