Samsung expands onto the High Street

Samsung opened its first retail outlet in the UK on Friday, with it also announcing plans to open further stores around the country throughout 2008.

The store is the first in the world dedicated to selling Samsung's entire range of products; building upon previous ventures into retail such as its branded store in New York and several concessions throughout the UK.

It seems that despite the rise of online retail for consumer electronics, the good old High Street is now a key battleground for providing consumer with product 'experiences' as much as anything else, especially for mobile.

The queues outside Apple's London store on Friday, in addition to Nokia launching  flagship stores in the city this year and 3's expanding retail presence are evidence of that.

Speaking to the press at the stores launch, Samsung's chief marketing officer, Anthony Marsella said: "This is not just a first for the UK – it’s a global first. We’re offering consumers a full Samsung brand experience."

The store is owned by John Shah of Shasonic, which also owns the Sony Galleria, which is next door on Tottenham Court Road.