I like my local Sony shop. (Well apart from the stickers on the tvs and computers). I love Apple stores and Apple re-sellers. Microsoft are trying out there own stores. Is this the future? Will we see a Dell or HP store anytime soon.

CC

BTW

The biggest Apple store in the world opens this morning in London.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqlhzve4BOw

I've no idea how Sony shops stay open if the ones in Belfast are anything to go by - the prices are horrendous, and funnily enough there doesn't appear to be many customers...

The two in Derby seem pretty busy.

I like them both.


As for profitable the Apple stores are AFAIK the most profitable shops in the world.

People like brand identity. I could see an Alienwear shop going down well in London.

Just found a nice pic of the Apple store.





And a nice pic of a Sony store.

Oh, and one of their competitors.

That shot of a Sony store looks as though it could be a still from a James Bond movie.

And another Apple store (well the entrance as most is underground)

Sony stores are really really cool.



(Well apart from the stickers)

The Sony stores are nicely laid out but they can offer deals. I haggled some things when I bought a minidisc with a TV a few years ago.

Dell or HP might do better on a trading estate that have a large show room and easy parking. They deal with businesses and so a showroom with a warehouse could turn out quite well for them. A lot cheaper than a high street store.

I don't buy any particular brand, I buy the best quality my wallet will allow. Therefore I prefer a shop where I can see a range of brands and can compare the build quality, price and performance...

Somehow, I knew Dave would say that.

I'm just surprised the post wasn't peppered with a few irrelevant prices in euros, and a link to cnet.

That shop is called the internet.

The brick and mortar stores serve a quite different function I think.

If I want to ask about a particular function on the TV remote how well do you think I would get on at Dixons?

If I am wondering why I am having trouble seeing my other Macs over the network should I have a chat with the staff at Curries?

If I want to see it the Magic Trackpad is a pain to use on a 27" screen which branch of PC World will have one set up for me to try?


In the bad old days it was near impossible to try a new Mac out in a computer shop. Now I can try out the new kit, see if I think it is worth the money and walk out with one (at internet prices) all in one place. I know that the advice I get is informed advice too.

Don't forget that Dave lives in Germany and such attitude is normal there.

I bought my new laptop from the one on Friar Gate. I had to take a print out from play.com to get them to try and price match. Even then they best they could was wet within forty quid, but I took it as I didn't want to wait. Sony stores are normally a rip off.