Verizon, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn.
Verizon Wireless unveiled its new "destination store" format, in Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn. The sleek, modern-looking 9,715-sq.-ft. store is designed to show customers how wireless technology fits into their mobile lifestyles.
The space features interactive "mobile lifestyle" zones where customers can engage with associates and experience wireless gadgets, apps and tech gear. The departments include Amplify It, for music fans; Have Fun, for gamers; Home and On the Go, for energy management/home monitoring; and Get Fit, for active sports and fitness buffs. There is also a zone, Anywhere Business, for entrepreneurs. In the Customize It zone, customers can create covers for their smartphone and, by standing in front of a green screen, even personalize them with their own photo.
The store also features a dedicated workshop area with seating where a specialist can share tips about getting the most out of a device and lead classes in front of a large touch-screen digital display screen. Toward the back of the store, a huge focal wall beckons customers to approach and see themselves appear as avatar surfers, guitarists and more.
Verizon plans to open a second "destination store," in Chicago next year. The company also plans to open more locations during the next few years in high-traffic locations across the nation.
Design: Chute Gerdeman, Columbus, Ohio