Telecoms and tech business Virgin Media O2 has opened its new Westfield White City store, with a focus on immersive experiences and sustainability touchpoints.
According to the retailer, the 3,860 sq ft space incorporates recycled and responsibly sourced materials in its build while prioritising energy efficiency through smart LED lighting and low energy screens.
The store also aims to make it easier for consumers to recycle their old or unwanted tech devices, which has been done to help the company reach its wider sustainability targets. Electronics, including old mobiles, earphones, wearable tech and cables, can all be dropped off and recycled at the store.
The new shop, located on the first floor of Westfield Shopping Centre in White City, London, has been designed to offer customers an “engaging, hands-on environment while placing the customer front and centre of the in-store experience”.
Similar to how EE has redesigned its stores in recent years to elevate customer service and ensure customers are seen by staff as soon as they enter the building, Virgin Media O2 is promising personalised, accessible support to ensure customers can “get the help they need quickly, at a time and place that works best for them”.
The shop is divided into discovery zones across an open-plan layout, allowing visitors the chance to test out the company’s latest products in the company of expert advisors.
Will Houldsworth, director of retail at Virgin Media O2, commented: “Westfield is one of the UK’s premier shopping destinations, making it the perfect place for us to create a space where customers can discover, experience and get hands-on with the latest technology.
“This store represents the future of retail for Virgin Media O2 – combining immersive experiences with brilliant customer service and expert support. As we continue investing in our stores across the UK, we remain focused on creating spaces that better serve our customers and local communities.”
As part of Virgin Media O2’s commitment to supporting the local community, which is a pillar of its responsible business plan, the store also joins more than 300 others as a ‘National Databank hub’, where people experiencing data poverty can get a free O2 SIM with 25GB of monthly data, plus texts and calls for 12 months to stay connected.
[image credit: Virgin Media O2]
