- Apple opened its first retail store in 2001. It was an innovative idea at the time, allowing customers to test out tech products first-hand in a store before buying.
- It has proven to be successful, and other retailers have since followed suit.
- Samsung recently opened its fourth US retail store in Palo Alto, California. We paid the space a visit to see what it offers Samsung users - and how it differs from Apple's retail experience. Here's how the two compare.
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Apple pioneered the modern concept of a retail store for technology brands.
The tech giant opened its first location in 2001 to give customers first-hand experience with and knowledge of its line of products. People could actually use the products in-store and store associates could offer useful tidbits about devices. The stores were considered an experimental feat in retail at the time.
But the concept has proven to be a hit ever since, allowing customers to test out everything from smartphones, computers, and other gadgetry to providing device repair and support. Other tech and non-tech retailers have followed suit, like Glossier, AT&T, Tesla, and Verizon, as reported by Digiday. Because shoppers are increasingly gravitating to the web for their shopping needs, retailers have needed to evolve the traditional retail experience if they are going to bring customers into stores.
In 2016, rival Samsung joined that mix when the South Korea-based electronics titan opened its first retail store in New York City. It's since launched four locations, with the most recent in the heart of Silicon Valley.
We paid the Palo Alto store a visit ahead of its grand opening in December and decided to compare it to Apple's retail space. We found that they differed in lighting setups and retail displays, but were similar in that they both offer the full breadth of each company's product lines and have a heavy focus on more informed product use.
Check it out.
