NOKIA PRESS RELEASE December 8, 2005
Nokia pioneers new multimedia retail experience, unveils first Flagship Store
Moscow, Russia – Amidst an array of multimedia effects and interactive kiosks, Nokia today announced its intention to opening several Nokia Flagship Stores in “shopping capitals of the world.” In addition to generating sales, a key objective of each Nokia Flagship Store will be to showcase Nokia’s complete portfolio of products and services, offering consumers an opportunity to experience the full benefits of mobility in a comfortable, cutting-edge environment. The first Nokia Flagship store opened today in the prestigious Pushkin Square district of Moscow, Russia. The Nokia Flagship Stores will be opened in high-profile locations in major shopping destinations in the next couple of years.
“Through an innovative retail experience like the new Nokia Flagship Stores, Nokia aims to inspire and educate consumers to the benefits of mobility and broaden the appeal of the Nokia brand. It is a place for discovery and entertainment,” said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and COO of Nokia, at the official unveiling in Moscow. “Whether it is demonstrating the features and capabilities of our latest multimedia smartphone or assisting a consumer with their mobile email settings, we want to offer a relaxing, interactive environment for consumers to truly experience the power of mobility.”
At a Nokia Flagship Store, consumers can test the latest Nokia mobile devices and learn about new mobile services and technologies. Well-trained and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help consumers find a product or service that reflects their lifestyle and individual needs. Interactive, multimedia displays will engage visitors as they visit the store, encouraging them to share images or send messages to friends. and connect with invididuals around the world. Of course, consumers will also be able to set-up their new devices, review service provider options and test the range of mobile enhancements related to their new phone.
One area of the Nokia Flagship Stores will be dedicated to mobile gaming with direct access to the N-Gage Arena, Nokia’s global mobile gaming network. Visitors to the store will be able to experience the excitement of connected mobile gaming by playing Asphalt: Urban GT(TM) 2 and posting their best scores to the online rankings board shown on the display monitor. As more flagship stores open around the world, visitors will be able to compete directly against scores posted by those playing at other Nokia stores.
“Consumer focus is at the heart of our strategy and the Nokia Flagship Stores enable us to increase our focus at the retail level,” explains Cliff Crosbie, Director, Global Retail and Trade Marketing. “Through the Flagship Stores we want to develop a close one-to-one relationship with consumers, listen to their feedback and find valuable consumer insights. This will be crucial information and allow us to faster respond with products and services that meet consumers’ needs and desires. The concept behind the Nokia Flagship Stores represents something truly special in the retail world. It will be unlike anything consumers looking for a mobile phone have ever experienced.”
Like Moscow, each Nokia Flagship Store will be located in the very best retail locations in high-traffic urban settings in major markets worldwide. Customer service will be the key driver. The Nokia Flagship Stores will be owned, managed and operated by Nokia to provide the best level of experience, education and inspiration in mobile device retailing.
The Nokia Flagship Stores will form the top end of Nokia’s newly revised retail strategy that includes retail and operator partners and their more than 300,000 retail outlets globally. All of these customer outlets will remain essential to Nokia’s ongoing success and continue to be the main sales channels in the future. The feedback and learnings received through the Flagship stores will be shared and implemented with Nokia’s retail and operator partners.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.