[_StephenBB81]

Cool idea, for sure! I'm glad to see this and I hope they do it in many, many more cities around the world to bolster the BB brand and stop trusting carrier salespeople to understand, promote and sell BB products, as another Dapper37 has said. (Edit: I guess if these are actually Jaymart stores in BB clothing, then RIM still is trusting retailers rather than RIM employees to get the job done, unfortunately.)

Saw this YouTube vid that gives another view of inside the store:

I guess I was a bit dissapointed, though, to see that the store looks SOO much like an Apple store. I'm down with the sleek store design, but even the clear placards sitting on the white tables remind me of Apple stores. Would probably have been a good idea to differentiate BB's stores if they're trying to differentiate their products, but it's a start. Maybe additional stores around the world will look different after they learn from the Thailand store.

I don't know much about Jaymart but their website (the link looks like gibberish, but it's because it's a foreign language site, I guess; opens fine, though, and to the English version) (--- � ���� �ú����ͧ����ͧ�ػ�ó�������� ---) says they're essentially a mobile phone retailer. This would lead me to wonder if there actually will be any other BB Lifestyle stores outside of regions served by Jaymart. I had also wondered why RIM picked Thailand to open its first store, but I'm assuming Jaymart probably brought the idea to RIM and that Jaymart probably it taking most/all of the risk involved in making the store successful. Will be interesting to watch to see how it flies. I hope we can get some periodic updates here on CB somehow.

I don't think it is a RIM venture,

I think it was a Jaymart Venture with authorization by RIM.
This is really no different than a carrier store, that focuses on BlackBerry.

Great for RIM, that someone is doing this, hopefully it is successful and Jaymart opens others and proves the model works

[avt123]

I was in the BB Store at the Charlotte, NC Airport yesterday before I finished my flight down to Daytona. It was pretty nice, I played with all the new devices while I waited for my flight.

[world traveler and former ceo]

Cool idea, for sure! I'm glad to see this and I hope they do it in many, many more cities around the world to bolster the BB brand and stop trusting carrier salespeople to understand, promote and sell BB products, as another Dapper37 has said. (Edit: I guess if these are actually Jaymart stores in BB clothing, then RIM still is trusting retailers rather than RIM employees to get the job done, unfortunately.)

Saw this YouTube vid that gives another view of inside the store:

I guess I was a bit dissapointed, though, to see that the store looks SOO much like an Apple store. I'm down with the sleek store design, but even the clear placards sitting on the white tables remind me of Apple stores. Would probably have been a good idea to differentiate BB's stores if they're trying to differentiate their products, but it's a start. Maybe additional stores around the world will look different after they learn from the Thailand store.

I don't know much about Jaymart but their website (the link looks like gibberish, but it's because it's a foreign language site, I guess; opens fine, though, and to the English version) (--- � ���� �ú����ͧ����ͧ�ػ�ó�������� ---) says they're essentially a mobile phone retailer. This would lead me to wonder if there actually will be any other BB Lifestyle stores outside of regions served by Jaymart. I had also wondered why RIM picked Thailand to open its first store, but I'm assuming Jaymart probably brought the idea to RIM and that Jaymart probably it taking most/all of the risk involved in making the store successful. Will be interesting to watch to see how it flies. I hope we can get some periodic updates here on CB somehow.

Don't think its their first Blackberry Store .. but Thailand is a huge BB market . and second largest in South East Asia, I believe ...second to Indonesia ...

Blackberry Brand is huge in Thailand ...

... and the store was packed when i was there .. really professional!

[BBMINI]

I've seen the BB store in the Atlanta (I think) airport, but it sure didn't look like this Jaymart store and didn't have nearly the coolness or wow factor.

Also forgot to mention in my previous post that at the 2:00 mark in the video posted by the OP, there's a woman wearning a T-shirt that says "iStudio". From what I can tell, iStudio isn't associated with Apple at all but I was still surprised that anything starting with "i" was allowed into a video about a BB store. Funny. Maybe the guy who edited the video did the editing on a Mac and is an Apple fan and wanted to get in a subtle jab .

[avt123]

I've seen the BB store in the Atlanta (I think) airport, but it sure didn't look like this Jaymart store and didn't have nearly the coolness or wow factor.

Also forgot to mention in my previous post that at the 2:00 mark in the video posted by the OP, there's a woman wearning a T-shirt that says "iStudio". From what I can tell, iStudio isn't associated with Apple at all but I was still surprised that anything starting with "i" was allowed into a video about a BB store. Funny. Maybe the guy who edited the video did the editing on a Mac and is an Apple fan and wanted to get in a subtle jab .

Maybe she was confused and thought the B store was an Apple Store. They look close enough.

RIM should open a BB store in every mall that has an Apple Store.

[drevans18]

This store would close in a heartbeat... the Microsoft stores are somewhat challenging to the Apple store, but even those aren't as good.

[FMB8900]

I don't think so, RIM makes their own hardware, as well as their own software that was made just for their hardware. Just like Apple. Having a store like the ones from the pics I posted could actually benefit them in the long run.

Right now when it comes to sales, RIM is at the mercy of the carriers. Carriers decide what devices go on sale, when they will go on sale, and when to release future OS updates as well as which features will be disabled at launch. (Like t-mo disabling NFC on the 9900.... Why tmo why?) not to mention that a lot of the sales reps at carriers corporate stores are a bunch of misinformed dopes who will usually tell their customers that RIM is dead... Blah blah blah.

I really believe that stores like this this will really help RIM, having a well trained staff that can help consumers with their purchases, questions, etc. Like I said before stores like this can help RIM educate U.S. consumers about what the BlackBerry platform has to offer, make them a more popular brand in the U.S., and slowly put an end to all this DOOM and GLOOM surrounding their brand once in for all.

[IslandCombat]

I think down the road it would be a great idea to open a NA storefront. That being said, I'd wait until the BBX line is operational...

[FMB8900]

woohoo made the front page

[rcheung135]

I could spend a whole day in there until they tell me to leave :O

[FMB8900]

LOL me too

[anthogag]

They need stores like this in malls in the US & Canada

[anthogag]

I could spend a whole day in there until they tell me to leave :O

You "returned" your products. What, do you want to go in there to annoy people

[Laura Knotek]

I really do not see these type of stores being successful in the long run.

Apple also has computers, not just iPhone/iPad/iPod. A store that only sells one brand of smartphone and one tablet cannot survive. One can buy accessories at carrier stores or even Walmart (if brand name isn't a requirement).

[anthogag]

I really do not see these type of stores being successful in the long run.

Apple also has computers, not just iPhone/iPad/iPod. A store that only sells one brand of smartphone and one tablet cannot survive. One can buy accessories at carrier stores or even Walmart (if brand name isn't a requirement).

Sure it can. They'd show the latest phones, tablets and apps. They could have clothing, accessories, and technical help.

They need these stores A good way for BB to be a brand in the US is to have stores in malls.

[papped]

as for NFS, i would replace with the newer Asphalt game...

NFS is a recognized brand by a larger developer though. Gameloft games are essentially smaller named knock offs of existing games (aka NFS).

[4ron]

Great idea! With the new BBX coming in 2012 RIM should then open its own USA stores. The Indonesian design looks like an Apple knock off. But why not? RIM needs more marketing of its products.

[4ron]

Great idea! With the new BBX coming in 2012 RIM should then open its own USA stores. RIM needs more marketing of its products.

[msmara]

I would love a store like this to exist, RIM should also start releasing Limited Edition phones... people go crazy over limited edition stuff.. # the stock and you will have people trampling over each other to get one. That's what I learned with any LE release

[FMB8900]

I hope they do make these store in the US when BBX is released. That would be awesome!

[sam_b77]

I seriously don't get this.
I'm happy for Indonesia, but in New Delhi,India we have had these stores for ages.
Same layout, same exclusive BB store. They are in every major mall next to the LV, Hugo Boss etc stores. In every local market. Its just normal.
I thought every country would have these. I'm so surprised that this is such major news for North America.
We even have huge Blackberry display counters in electronic chain stores and mom & pop stores with an embedded BB "expert". The experts are there to switch your data from Nokia dumb phones to BB for no extra charge.
I think I will take pics of these stores and put them up here. Its not a big deal guys. Seriously.

[rfalter]

Yeah, sure, you have to ask, 'why would the first BB store open in Thailand of all places and not in RIM's home country or the US?'

Maybe not many or any Apple stores there? Or perhaps with only two products in reality, the phones, whic are SO identical, and the Playbook, how could you fill a store? Very much ado about nothing. Great artists rendering, or perhaps that is the way it looks, but I couldn't imagine a 10,0000 square foot BB store in NYC. It would be empty.

[sam_b77]

Yeah, sure, you have to ask, 'why would the first BB store open in Thailand of all places and not in RIM's home country or the US?'

Maybe not many or any Apple stores there? Or perhaps with only two products in reality, the phones, whic are SO identical, and the Playbook, how could you fill a store? Very much ado about nothing. Great artists rendering, or perhaps that is the way it looks, but I couldn't imagine a 10,0000 square foot BB store in NYC. It would be empty.

First off its Indonesia and not Thailand.
Secondly,I have a theory about this and I may be wrong.
In US and Canada, RIM depends on the carriers to sell their Phones as most people in USA and Canada go for plan subsidised phones.
In India and Indonesia, RIM chose to partner with local distributors who have a better hold on the retail side of things and are brand agnostic.
They are the ones who opened these stores in partnership with high volume retailers (not chain stores).
Knowing little bit about distribution and retail chains and being a manufacturer myself, I know that the best way to sell goods is via a dedicated and trustworthy distributor.
Since the entire RIM sales in India are handled by a single distributor, they have the freedom to chalk out sales strategy.
You also have to understand, that in India no one locks themselves into a two year plan simply to get a subsidised handset. It was tried but the model didn't work.
In India we pay the full price for a BB, that means that a 9900 is for $650 here and it is selling quite well at that price. The iPhone is for $700. This allows the distri to setip these exclusive BB stores. The latest curve is for $550 and it is selling well.
Also we have enough Apple stores as well, complete with the Apple "genius". Only thing is that the "geniuses" are not complete kool aid drinkers.
I think its more to do with the selling strategy. RIM should definitely get in touch with their customers in North America like Apple does. Abandon the carrier only selling point and appoint distributors in Americas and start interacting with their customers directly.
For service support, I can get in touch with RIM India directly. The carriers are not in the middle. And that makes all the difference.

[FMB8900]

Grand Opening of the Store in Indonesia












Ooooooh So Pretty

[FMB8900]

Jim



OOOOH MAMA!!


#1



Jim Helping out #1








Rest of the album is here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5727749&type=3