I was really excited to check out the Nokia Store for the first time. I had tried to make it over on previous trips to the city, but had run out of time each prior trip. They’ve got a sweet piece off real estate – across from Tiffany’s on 57th and while narrow is packed with technology! You can see a at least 2 of not 4 of every device currently in market – though I honestly don’t recall seeing the E61, instead the E62 was there since that is the device matched for the US market. The store design is sleek and very modern and product is very well lit. It’s easy and fun to play with everything there and the staff essentially stays out of your way so you can go to town. They have every accessory I’ve ever seen on the Nokia site, which is nice – If you want Nokia Kit, this is clearly the right place.
The store is three floors – 1- the main array of devices, 2 NSeries and 3, Vertu. It did not seem like anyone was actually making a purchase. People (maybe a dozen) were milling about and just checking things out. One woman was actively shopping, but I don’t think she was leaving with a unit. Staff was young and very friendly … though I actually had a specific request and was refused. Apparently the store has no desire to service unlocked phones (mine actually come directly from Nokia courtesy of the Blogger Relations Program) and will not help you update the firmware. I was directed to the software available for download – though as I mentioned and will repeat here – as a Mac user you are completely SOL in this regard. It is impossible to do a firmware update without a Windows PC. There was a PC there, but there was no way for me to connect and update – at least not in the middle of the store!
The NSeries and Vertu Floors are smaller than the main floor as they show a more limited set of devices. The main difference is on the Vertu floor. The only way to view the devices up close, is with the assistance of the staff. There were a few younger guys up there checking the phones out, but given the asking price (thousands) this looked more like your tourist browsing in Tiffany’s than a buying customer.
Source: atmaspheric | endeavors
Read his complete entry, my question to Nokia is: Are the flagship stores generating profits?