Canadian shoppers are getting a new way to shop for the latest Google tech and it will be interactive, educational and exciting. Best Buy Canada announced Thursday a new collaboration with Google Canada, the first of its kind in North America that will bring 14 Google shops to their newly renovated “Experience Stores” by the end of 2016.
“We are thrilled that Google Canada chose Best Buy as their retailer of choice to launch these innovative retail spaces,” says Ron Wilson, President and COO of Best Buy Canada. “We are committed to providing our customers with the best service and the most exciting experience, and this is a prime example of that.”
Google shops are exploratory spaces that bring Google’s family of hardware to life and provide immersive experiences that help users get the most out of their devices. Customers will be able to touch and try Google products, like Pixel (available now), Daydream View and Chromecast Ultra (both available later this year).
“Google shops offer users hands on experiences with our latest devices, while product-trained Google guides explain how customers can get the most out of their tech to make life easier — and more fun!” says Janell Fischer, head of global retail design at Google Inc. “With Google shops, we’re thrilled to offer shoppers a comprehensive first look at our family of hardware as soon as it becomes available.”
Today, 10 small Google shops will begin opening in Best Buy locations across Canada, to be followed by four larger and more interactive shops in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Mississauga later this year. At that time, in addition to booking 1:1 appointments with product-trained staff, customers can participate in hands-on weekly workshops to learn the ins and outs of Google tech — from personalizing your Pixel to how to stream with Chromecast Ultra.
Best Buy’s redesigned Experience Stores are part of a larger coast-to-coast renovation plan that began last year and saw improvements made to more than a dozen locations.
