O2 UK to Revamp its Retail Outlets

UK mobile operator, O2 has announced a program to revamp its own-brand retail outlets in the country. The company said that selected O2 stores will be sporting a fresh new look over the next few months and that as part of a multi-million pound campaign, 150 stores by the end of 2009 will undergo a complete re-fit.

Stephen Shurrock, Consumer Sales Director, explains: "We want to give customers the ultimate experience helping them connect with other people at any time, anywhere, whatever they do. Our retail stores are our first point of communication with our customers - itÃ's therefore imperative that when they walk in they feel welcomed by our staff and comfortable in their surroundings so they can browse the store in a relaxed and helpful environment."

The new stores have been designed to provide a welcoming space to make customers feel more at ease. A lounge area, centred around a coffee table and large plasma screen will be used for product demonstrations. It will also provide a space for O2Ã's ‘ItÃ's Your CommunityÃ' programme to present its grants to local project groups.

The strategy to create a complete ‘connected world experienceÃ' is brought alive by the physical layout of the product ranges. All products are displayed live, with phones connected to accessories, such as headphones, printers and speakers.

During 2009 O2Ã's training budget will double with focus on a highly trained, special team called O2 Gurus which will be rolled out in 25 stores by the end of the year.

The first store to undergo the re-fit under the Retail Transformation Programme is ManchesterÃ's recently launched Arndale centre store which is now open for anyone to visit. Over the next few months this programme will roll out in stores across the UK such as Nottingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Ipswich and Northampton.

Posted to the site on 30th October 2008