Smart Turns its Stores Into Hip Lifestyle Cafes

Smart Turns its Stores Into Hip Lifestyle Cafes

 

 

 

We’ve reached that point when consumers are demanding more from brands. They do not want just quality or prestige anymore. Now they want a holistic experience that starts upon entering the store. And with the way Smart has redesigned its stores to look like hip cafes, you get the feeling that they understand the concept of a well-designed space.

 

The new Smart Stores are redesigned to look like a cafe 

 

The new Smart Stores have chucked the idea of a traditional telecommunications setting of counters and surfaces with the latest gadgets. Upon entering the redesigned store, you feel you are in a cafe. The lights are softer, the wood interiors are warmer, and instead of counters separating you from the agents, you are seated on tables where you feel like you are conversing with an old friend in a coffee shop.

The new Smart Stores are slowly being rolled out since 2013. Eighteen out of the 115 stores have already been redesigned, and 78 more are being targeted to have the cafe setup by the end of 2015. Smart is embracing the digital lifestyle with their new stores, and allows everyone to create awesome moments with the different mobile offerings. 

Besides the interiors of the Smart Store, the services are also getting an upgrade. Because the setup is more like a coffee shop, it feels less of a transaction and more of a conversation. Subscribers can discuss their needs and lifestyle with Smart’s trained personnel. And these personnel will not just sell postpaid plans or gadgets. They will actually take the time to get to know subscribers better and encourage them to try the offerings, so they can make an informed decision on which Smart products and services will best suit their lifestyle.

 

 

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and the new iPads are some of Smart’s most popular items

 

One of the most popular attractions of the Smart Store is the game the telco pulled off near one of its branches 

 

While waiting, you can explore the various gadgets available. There is also a TV screen showing a game Smart pulled off near one of its branches. According to the agent I spoke to, it’s one of the popular attractions in the shop.

The new Smart Stores also have lifestyle nooks that feature different digital services that help consumers enjoy their passions more: the Music Hub, Reading Nook, Digital Mall, and Games Station.

 

The Music Hub lets you stream and download music using the Spinnr and Deezer mobile apps

 

At the Music Hub, visitors can use the Spinnr and Deezer mobile apps to download and stream music on gadgets. They can also learn more about the affordable subscription packages available via Smart, which they can use even without a credit card.

 

The Reading Nook lets you read your favorite books and magazines using the Buqo app

 

With the Reading Nook, they can enjoy the Buqo app which they can use to access their favorite books and magazines on their mobile device, and pay for these via load deductions or postpaid bill charging.

 

GameX lets you play your favorite games

 

Gamers can try GameX, an online portal that allows them to buy game credits without leaving their seats. They can pay conveniently using their prepaid load or via postpaid bill charging.

 

Fashionistas can purchase the hottest items on Zalora

 

The Digital Mall is the answer to fashionistas. At the Digital Mall, they can shop for their favorite brands at Zalora. 

I visited the Rockwell branch to fully experience the redesign and the enhanced customer service. Of course, to fully experience it, I had to sit down with one of the agents. I’ve been meaning to get an iPad for the past few months, so I decided to check out the data plans.

 

Go to the next page to read more about my Smart Store experience!