Sony re-opens three stores in the US; introduces new ‘Gallery’ concept

Sony USA has announced that it has re-opened three Sony Stores in Miami, San Diego and Orlando. The revamped stores provide a “fresh, modern and immersive experience” according to Sony and brings the total number of remodelled stores in the US to eight.

Sony also announced a new concept called ‘Sony Gallery’, the first of which is opening in San Diego County and more on the horizon (New Jersey and San Francisco galleries will open next month). These Sony Galleries will showcase the company’s best products in a smaller retail footprint.

Sony has 38 stores in total across the US. The news of these refurbishments and new Gallery concept appears to highlight a renewed focus on retail as a showcase of the company’s best technology. Many manufacturers would like to replicate the success Apple has had with its own retail stores. We have heard recently that both HTC and Samsung will be following with their own retail stores to showcase their latest smartphone technology.

What we do find curious though, is that Sony does not explicitly mention whether its Xperia smartphones will be part of its portfolio on show at retail. Now we know that the company isn’t pushing its mobile products very hard in the US, but we’d be surprised if they at least weren’t on show. Here’s the blurb on the new stores:

“Inside, Sony fans will be able to experience all things Sony. From Sony music artists playing over the speakers to Sony Pictures movies playing on the immersive 4K televisions, the full breadth of Sony’s assets can be enjoyed in one great place. The new design was developed with a focus on the guest experience, and features a light, bright, and flexible store layout that makes it easy for people to test and try their favourite Sony products. The innovative interior walls are moveable and changeable, allowing new colour schemes to be reconfigured to highlight specific products, services, or content.”

Thanks vasan!