Retailing Briefs

WEST CALDWELL, N.J. — Electronics Expo, the seven-store specialty CE chain based here, has formally launched a new home theater design and installation division dubbed Xtecs. The in-house unit is comprised of CEDIA-certified installers and an architectural designer, and specializes in sales and custom design, as well as installation of home theaters, flat-panel TVs, home automation, systems integration, interior design and distributed A/V. The team is also backed by a New Jersey contractor license, and will be adding installers and vehicles as the division grows. The chain has enjoyed a 35-percent increase in labor revenue since the division debuted during the first quarter, and is promoting the service with radio spots, direct mail and billboards.

SAN ANTONIO — AT&T has introduced a table-like computer display in select stores that allows customers to interact with products and content through touch, gestures and the placement of handsets on its surface. The computer, called Surface, was developed by Microsoft and made its retail debut last month in AT&T stores in Atlanta, New York, San Antonio and San Francisco. Placing a mobile device on the display will generate a graphic overview of its capabilities, while customers can view interactive coverage maps from street to national level that can be moved or scaled by touch and hand movement. AT&T said it will evaluate the pilot program before rolling it out to more of its 2,200 U.S. stores.