Samsung Electronics is to open its own-brand stores in the UK and Europe in partnership with Carphone Warehouse.
More than 60 standalone stores that put the emphasis on bringing digital into the store are to be opened in seven European markets, including the UK, over the next three months. The stores, most of which will be operated by Carphone Warehouse, will sell the range of Samsung mobile products, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and wearable computing.
The partners promise an “exciting new customer experience which merges retail and technology innovations such as Carphone Warehouse’s assisted sales tool and connectivity platform using Samsung branded tablets.”
Andrew Harrison, chief executive of Carphone Warehouse , said: “Our Connected World Services business will combine Carphone Warehouse’s retailing expertise and systems with one of the world’s biggest brands and will help us make even more lives better through connected technology.”
Our view: This is an interesting move into retail and commentators will have high expectations from a brand known for its cutting-edge technology. We’ll wait with interest to see what sophisticated store of the future will emerge from this partnership.
