Microsft and HP have opened a temporary store in Auckland’s CBD, designed to give potential buyers a chance to experience the companies’ technology in an informal setting. The store – on O’Connell Street near fashion retail outlets – will be open for eight weeks. The companies also hope channel partners will bring customers in to view the products. “We wanted to create a space that gave shoppers the chance to experience our technology in a fun environment,” says HP personal systems group manager Paul Boshoff. “Rather than reading about what our technology can do, the pop-up store provides people with the opportunity to try things for themselves – without feeling any pressure to purchase products at the time.” HP is displaying its 3D Envy, Touchsmart PC, Pavilion notebooks and ePrint printers. Microsoft has set up an Xbox Kinect in the store. “Microsoft and HP have collaborated on a number of projects both globally and locally, and Ten O’Connell is just another example of how we’re trying to bring technology to life for lifestyle and technology-conscious kiwis,” says Microsoft managing director Paul Muckleston. The store will also be used for free training sessions.
