Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
In a world first, Google today unveils its first “shop in shop” in Currys PC World, on London’s Tottenham Court Road.
‘The Google shop’ will offer customers the chance to sample Google’s range of Android phones and tablets, Chromebook laptops and Chromecasts and learn about how they work together. Visitors will also have the chance to play with Google’s software tools and apps, with installations including: an immersive surround screen installation called ‘Portal’, where users can ‘fly’ through any part of the planet through Google Earth; and a Doodle Wall where budding graffiti artists can use digital spray cans to paint their own take on Google’s logo, which they can then share on social media.
The shop-inshop hopes to host regular classes and events for the public. Classes will range from how to keep secure online and how devices work, to understanding how different devices work together. ‘Virtual Space Camps’ will be offered to teach children the basics of coding and teachers will be invited to Open House events, to keep up to speed on the free educational tools on offer from Google.
Google’s James Elias said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch this space in London with Currys PC World. The pace of innovation of the devices we all use is incredible, yet the way we buy them has remained the same for years. With the Google shop, we want to offer people a place where they can play, experiment and learn about all of what Google has to offer; from an incredible range of devices to a totally-connected, seamless online life. We think it’s a genuinely unique try-before-you-buy experience.”
Ainsley Sykes, senior project manager for Currys PC World, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Google in bringing a world first retail experience to one of our stores. This will be a new and innovative way for customers to engage in-store, interacting with the immersive technology as well as having fun while learning. Google experts will be on hand to maximise the experience for users and provide help and support around the Google eco-system. This fantastic space compliments the interactive and informative environment we aim to create for customers visiting all of our stores.”
This is the first Google shop experience that Google has opened anywhere in the world. There will be two more later on in the year in Currys PC World’s Fulham and Thurrock Megastores.
