PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Samsung opened its first retail outlet in the UK on Friday, with it also announcing plans to open further stores around the country throughout 2008.
The store is the first in the world dedicated to selling the vendors entire range of products; building upon previous ventures into retail such as its branded store in New York and several concessions throughout the UK.
It is spread across two floors, with the ground floor dedicated to IT equipment, cameras, MP3 players and various accessories for the products. Upstairs, the vendor has a lifestyle experience with its TV and home theatre products on display in a mock-luxury apartment.
Speaking to the press at the stores launch, Samsung’s chief marketing officer, Anthony Marsella said: "This is not just a first for the UK – it’s a global first. We’re offering consumers a full Samsung brand experience."
Echoing that sentiment, Andy Griffiths, Samsung’s director of consumer electronics said: "This is a special moment in the history of the Samsung brand in the UK – we’ve come a long way in such a short time. We are very pleased with the result – there’s no other electrical retailing outlet like it in the UK. It truly is a unique experience."
The store is owned by John Shah of Shasonic, which also owns the Sony Galleria, which is next door on Tottenham Court Road.
The news came as Samsung announced that it was to pull out of the consumer electronic business in Japan, citing intense price competition as making it unviable to continue trading.
The vendor, however, restated its commitment to continuing in the B2B market for the foreseeable future.
