San Diego, Calif. – Sony Electronics is updating three of
its consumer-direct stores this fall to its new connected format.
The move follows the closure of more than 20 locations since
last spring.
The remodels, located in Houston, Garden City, N.Y., and
Costa Mesa, Calif., will feature the same open showroom design and live,
table-height displays as a
that was unveiled last April in Los Angeles.
Since then the company has closed 21 locations across the
country as part of an “ongoing evaluation” of its retail business, leaving the
former Sony Style chain – which has since dropped the “Style” branding – with
27 stores.
“The newly redesigned Sony Stores are unique destinations
where customers can experience all things Sony,” said Sony Stores senior VP Brian
Sheehan. “Our goal is always to exceed customer expectations by providing an
exciting, interactive and entertaining shopping experience.”
To that end, the format features live demos of Sony products
and content including video games, cameras, headphones, 3D movies, and
networked services. The stores also offer a new Premium Services support
program, reminiscent of Apple’s famed Genius Bar, which will provide customers
with assistance and education by trained staff and certified technicians.
Complimentary and fee-based services include product setup, repair facilitation
and IT support, as well as home delivery and A/V installation.
