Sony follows Apple retail

Trying to follow the enormous success of Apple's retail stores, Sony is taking a page from Apple's playbook. The electronics manufacturer, is adding a Genius Bar-like areas to its retail stores, according to a new report. Sony Style retail stores are installing "backstage" counters in their stores to provide computer-only services that include one-on-one training sessions, system optimization, hardware and software diagnostics, new software installation and data migration, according to ifoAppleStore. The company, whchi rolling out the services at all of its 55 retail stores, hopes the new customer-centric section will help bolster its struggling retail division. Retail consultants earlier this month said that Sony could learn from Apple's success and its Genius Bars, which have been the cornerstone of Apple's success.

Sony, the consultants said, is struggling to attract visitors: "Sony doesn’t get retail. The [Sony] stores are not energized and not shop-able. ifoAppleStore says that Sony stores are a showcase, and to a lesser degree a sales point, for their electronics products, including TVs, digital cameras, camcorders, mp3 players and video titles.

The electronics giant has struggled to play catch up with Apple's iPod and most recently, rumors of the demise of its Sony Connect online music service have begun to surface. Earlier this month, iTunes replaced Sony Connect as the default music service of Yahoo Japan.

by MacNN Staff