All the major networks and retailers have unveiled stores in the new Westfield shopping complex, which opened its doors last week.
The shopping centre is the largest of its kind in Europe and has provided an opportunity for networks and operators to showcase their new retail plans. Carphone appears to have opened the most radical new store, while Orange and 3 also showed off revamped outlets.
Carphone has opened one of its first new concept outlets at Westfield, offering a diverse range of products that mark a shift away from just offering mobiles.
As well as mobiles and dongles, the store displays big screen TVs, live consoles within a designated gaming zone and a large selection of netbooks. It also has a large lounge style area at the back of the store.
The Phones 4u store at Westfield is much more sober, with comparatively little diversity on display and a large, formal-looking seating area.
Orange’s new-look store at the shopping centre is one of over 120 next generation stores that the operator has now opened. It aims to open another 100 concept stores next year.
Among the other operators, 3’s store has deviated most from its usual style with a refreshed look both outside and in. 3 also has the largest range of netbook computers among the operators.