Nokia enhances consumer retail experience in UAE with new Nokia Stores

Designed to set the benchmark in technology retailing practice, through the creation of an upscale, high-energy environment, Nokia Stores promise the ultimate shopping experience for Nokia's wide portfolio of mobile devices and services.

The Nokia Stores, each of which is owned, managed and operated by Aikon (subsidiary Emirates Computers) for the UAE Territory, have already opened in Dubai Mall, Burjman Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, with two more set to open throughout 2009.

Amongst the first to be rolled out globally, the new outlets in the UAE are Nokia branded with pioneer new technologies and techniques, setting a new standard in the retail world as a whole. Each Nokia Store features a carefully crafted retail environment ringed with state-of-the-art multimedia displays. These displays allow customers to experience the features and benefits of a wide range of Nokia products and services.

"As market leaders, we are setting a new standard for retail experiences that is not seen in the market in the technology space. The UAE is a key market for us and we are proud to be piloting these concept stores here,"

said Mark Kotze, Director, Nokia Branded Retail, Middle East and Africa.

"Just a few years ago, consumers looking to purchase a mobile phone only had to choose from a limited selection of voice-only devices. Today, the choices have increased exponentially - with specific wireless devices designed to meet virtually any customer need or desire. The Nokia Store concept was developed to offer consumers unparalleled selection and guidance in this complex environment, and to do it in a way that transforms the process of acquiring a new wireless device from a task into a pleasure," added Kotze.

As interactive displays allow consumers to learn about the latest in technology on their own, the attentive Nokia Store team is close at hand to walk guests through any questions or concerns that they may have regarding technology.

All Nokia Store team members are highly trained graduates of Nokia's award-winning Nokia Academy program, allowing them to provide accurate, personalized guidance on topics of interest ranging from choosing the perfect phone for each guest, to assisting in activating Nokia's Ovi Internet services, to explaining how to get the most out of the features found on today's devices.