Samsung has opened the doors to what it’s touting as a “first-of-its-kind” public outlet right in the heart of New York City.
Located at 837 Washington Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district, Samsung 837 isn’t a retail store. Samsung calls it everything from a “cultural destination” to a “digital playground.”
Above: Samsung 837
Image Credit: Samsung
You won’t be able to buy the latest smartphones from the three-floored building, however, you will be able to get access to Samsung product experts for one-on-one advice, repairs, workshops, demos, presentations, art installations, and the latest in virtual reality (VR) goodness via the VR Tunnel, which will feature Samsung Gear VR units and theme-based demos around travel, sport, and more.
Samsung is no stranger to the household appliance market either, and as such the new facility sports a kitchen area with chefs running workshops and showcases using Samsung technology.
Microsoft recently opened a new flagship store in New York in what some would view as a growing push by tech companies adopting an Apple-esque retail experience. While Samsung’s latest effort doesn’t quite replicate that, it’s clearly adopting a similar approach to “selling” its tech, by letting anyone enter, play with the latest toys, tap expert advice, and get a glimpse into the future.
“We set out to build a marketing center of excellence,” explained Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics America. “We immediately thought of New York City, where the best marketing happens and where people have a finger on the pulse of culture.”
Resembling the company’s Korean D’light experience store in its native Seoul, which reopened the previous year, you can get a better idea of what to expect from Samsung 837 in this promo skit below.