Pics: Verizon's Chicago Destination Store

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Drone Zone

The most popular part of the Verizon store is already the drone zone, in which visitors can try out drones in the air or on the ground in a contained area. Employees said they have already sold several to men who weren't buying them for their kids...

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Susan Fourtané 11/20/2014 | 2:38:35 AM

Virtual environment walks So, it means that with Verizon's FitBit a new era of living and acting in virtual environments is already possible, different from the vistual environments of the likes of Second Life.

Now enjoying a brisky walk while the weather outside is completely awful is possible. Just add birds soundtracks, artificial smell of flowers, and you are done to enjoy your perfect walk. :D No more excuses for not doing minimal exercise.

-Susan

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Phil_Britt 11/19/2014 | 8:26:44 PM

Re: Verizon experiences Regarding the rent, I don't see any way this store as a stand-alone is profitable. But if Verizon runs several events there and otherwise maximizes its use of real estate, it could be a go-to destination like some other downtown spots and can be used primarily as part of the company's marketing mix rather than a way to make money on its own.

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Mitch Wagner 11/19/2014 | 6:30:57 PM

Re: Verizon experiences Soccer balls and doorknobs are two things that do not need to be smart.

I love the first photo with the drone in flight.

Regarding the guy in shorts when it's 10 degrees out: I've lived in Southern California so long I'm a cold-weather wimp. When the temperature plunges below 50 degrees I dress like I'm exploring Antarctica.

I have to admit accessory walls are like catnip to me. Can't miss checking out the cases and such wherever I go.

Back to the smart doorknobs: What do they do, other than assisting on opening and closing doors?

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sarahthomas1011 11/19/2014 | 3:18:42 PM

Re: Verizon experiences That was my question too -- the rent for the location they are at cannot be cheap!

And, I also thought the soccer ball-kicking station was just a gimmick, but the balls were for sale...

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KBode 11/19/2014 | 12:38:48 PM

Re: Verizon experiences I for one did not know Verizon sold smart soccer balls. :) I've always wondered if these stores are worth the real estate costs over the smaller locations that offer less glitz but still probably sell a fair share of handsets.

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sarahthomas1011 11/19/2014 | 8:54:39 AM

Verizon experiences I heard one customer saying he was on his way to Apple, but saw Verizon's store, so decided to stop in. Given its proximity, I bet it will get a lot of cases like that. I thought it was interesting, too, that there wasn't an emphasis on customer support. It was really all about checking stuff out. I'm sure that will lead to sales, but I bet they'll also get a lot of people just hanging out, recharging their phones and playing with the drones...

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