Gauteng is South Africa’s – and indeed Africa’s – business, economic and entertainment epicentre – and home to Sandton City, an unparalleled shopping experience that attracts millions of affluent local and international shoppers each year.
With over 300 leading retailers, it promises international shopping with unique South African style and flair. Located in South Africa’s economic heartland, this premier shopping destination is home to some of the world’s most desirable brands – from exclusive jewellery to the latest in international fashion.
Sandton City has just welcomed its latest tenant: HP Experience; blending technology, fashion and design in a first-of-its-kind shopping experience. Upon first glance, passers-by are enticed and drawn into the store – driven by curiosity and a desire to see, touch and experience the latest HP technologies.
HP Experience is owned and operated by local partner Digital Planet and is the first-of-its-kind concept retail store in the world. The store sells HP’s entire portfolio of consumer offerings, ranging from personal computing to imaging and printing solutions.
Design is becoming ever more pervasive. Functional is no longer enough – consumers are looking for products that express who they are and that set them apart from the crowd. HP has reintroduced these concepts, invigorating its product line-up to make the PC personal, fashionable and desirable again.
“As the store name implies, it is all about the experience. We want to draw consumers into the store, immersing them in a technology experience like no other. Technology is no longer something intimidating or daunting – with HP Experience, we are bringing back the excitement by enabling consumers to engage with the technology and breaking down the barriers that sometimes exist by educating consumers and providing them with expert advice,” says Neil Watson, Director and co-founder of Digital Planet.
HP Experience has been organised around experiences and solutions, rather than just products. The store seeks to entice consumers, have them engage with and experience the latest HP technologies and have access to expertly trained and knowledgeable sales staff.
Catering to the needs of a broad range of technology users, there are distinct areas in the store. Divided into four experience zones – consumer, mobility, small business and professional – shoppers can interact with the technologies that suit their requirements. Interactivity is key: All products on display in the store are turned on, accessible and ready to be used by anyone entering the store.
The store ultimately provides consumers with what they are looking for when shopping for technology: The opportunity to experience before purchasing, technology solutions – not just products – that fit in with their lifestyle and access to expertise.
“We are incredibly excited about launching this store in South Africa. HP Experience will pave the way for consumers to embrace the digital lifestyle revolution and provide another way to take the personal digital entertainment experience even broader. I believe that HP has the technologies that enable consumers to game, view, listen, work and share when and where they want,” says Paul Boshoff, General Manager of the Personal Systems Group at HP South Africa.
HP Experience is located at shop L82 in Sandton City. Visit the store today and spoil yourself with couture technology!
