With more and more people choosing to purchase electronics online, paired with the fact that Maplin announced that it was collapsing into administration, the fate of electronics stores has recently come under pressure.
That’s not to say all hope is lost though. Here we outline 30 of the physical electronic store brands that, through various innovations, are standing their ground.
1. Lowe’s and b8ta (US)
According to Statista, the global smart home market is expected to be worth over $53bn by 2022. Aware that electronics that optimise the home are big business, Lowe’s recently collaborated with b8ta to create a store-within-a-store that offers an innovative shopping experience for those interested in smart home products. Not only can customers discover, experience and learn about the various products but the space offers an array of on-site support from expert ‘b8ta testers’.
2. Google at Flatiron (US)
Though Google’s Flatiron pop-up is now closed, it was an impressive example of how to go about selling electronics. Filled with a variety of Google products to pick up and test, the store also included a dedicated VR area and Google Home Max room where consumers could test the Home Max capabilities.
Image credit Ed Reeve
3. Spiritland (UK)
Set in London’s King’s Cross, Spiritland is a cafe, bar, radio production studio and retail space built around a world-class sound system. Designed for those with a deep appreciation and love for sound, the store takes pride in being able to transport visitors to a new appreciation of music and sells a range of specialised audio equipment.
4. HARMAN (Global)
Another sound specialist on the list, Harman has stores across the globe. Wanting to redefine how consumers interact with audio products and experience sound, the stores display a range of different products, and hosts various musician and DJ performances, as well as shopping incentives and events.
5. Dyson (UK)
If there’s a brand that knows how to sell electronics, it’s Dyson. Its UK-based Dyson Demo Experience space is testament to that and, opening in 2016, is equipped with a vacuum cleaner demo area to test each product on different floor (and dirt) types. There’s also a hair salon so consumers can test all its super expensive hairdryer to understand why it’s worth the investment.
6. De’Longhi Group Experience Centre (UK)
Known for its wide range of electronic goods, The De’Longhi Group decided to bring together products from its Kenwood, Braun and De’Longhi brands into one place with the Experience Centre. As well as being able to experience all the products on offer, friendly staff are on hand to guide consumers through the range, demonstrate those products in a live setting and, in some cases, even taste test the results.
Image credit: Apple
7. Apple (Global)
With stores that look more like lavish temples than spaces to sell electronics, Apple is at the top of its game when it comes to shifting products. Whether it’s innovative concepts like the Genius Bar, its try-before-you-buy mentality, or simply the fact that consumers feel connected to the brand as soon as they step foot in the store, there’s a lot to say for Apple’s design ethos.
8. Technogym Milan (Italy)
Set across three floors, Technogym launched its revolutionary flagship store, dedicated to fitness electronics and gym equipment, in Milan. As well as being a space within which consumers can test the brand’s products and digital technologies, the beautifully designed space includes educational and training areas and hopes to offer a holistic approach to fitness.
9. Devialet (Global)
Wanting to take visitors to a whole new emotional level of listening, audio brand Devialet has developed soundproof Immersive Rooms to show off its products in the best way possible. Whether in its pop-ups or its permanent stores, the Immersive Rooms combine great design with a space that prospective customers can use to stream the music of their choice to the Phantom speaker as though they were in their own home.
10. Sennheiser (US)
With a brand mission to ‘shape the future of audio’, Sennheiser has launched a number of initiatives with which to sell products. In its 2016 New York City pop-up, it allowed audio enthusiasts to test a $55,000 pair of headphones. Its Malaysian flagship store, launched at the beginning of this year, offers appointment-only listening sessions within private spaces and other exclusive products.
11. Best Buy (US)
As one of the leading retailers for consumer electronics in the US, Best Buy is on a mission to revolutionise the way in which customers purchase products. In Montreal, the brand launched a retail concept complete with live demonstrations and high-impact vendor displays and towards the end of 2017, the brand said it was partnering with 3C Interactive to enhance in-store pick-up and purchases.
Picture courtesy of Samsung
12. Samsung Experience Stores (Global)
Wanting to let its consumers get the most out of their products, Samsung’s Experience Stores let customers try before they buy, and them talk to experts on-site. It’s not just about smartphones, but a wide range of Samsung electronics including smart fridges. Consumers can also experience the brand’s VR offerings, discover everything their Galaxy smartphone has to offer and pop-in for any technical advice.
13. Sony Square NYC (US)
With a tagline that reads ‘igniting creativity and curiosity through extraordinary experiences’, Sony Square NYC is committed to showcasing electronic innovations from the Sony brand that cross music and movies to gaming. As well as offering a space to test various electronic products, the space hosts installations and exhibitions that cover various creative disciplines.
14. Sonos (Global)
While Sonos only opened its first New York based physical store in 2016, the brand has done well to appeal to the electronics consumer. Last year, the brand opened a new concept store in London, equipped with listening rooms and an event space for screenings, talks and installations. Minimal and attractive in its design, the space wants to recreate a sense of discovery and build on the idea that the best place to discover Sonos is at a friend’s house.
15. Yodobashi Camera (Japan)
As one of Tokyo’s largest electronics shops, Yodobashi Camera is set across 13 pavilions and, in the case of the Multimedia Pavilion alone, nine floors. Though the company started off selling cameras, consumers can expect to find everything from phones and televisions to printers and gaming gear.
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