Sony Enrolls in Stanford

Sony Electronics Inc. (Park Ridge, N.J.) has opened its fifth Sony Style concept store, at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, Calif.

The new concept stores invite consumers to “test drive” a variety of Sony devices, while offering the highest level of personal service.

“Consumers will experience our products, technology and entertainment first hand in a high-class, consumer-centric environment,” said Mike Fasulo, president of Sony Electronics’ eSolutions Company. “And to continue to enhance our brand, we will open additional concept stores across the country over the next year.”

At about 6000 square feet, the Palo Alto Sony Style store features multiple demonstration areas, including a digital imaging gallery with a complete range of digital still cameras, camcorders and photo printers. The store also showcases all of Sony’s entertainment properties, including the latest PlayStation 2 hardware and games, as well as DVD movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment and the latest CDs from Sony Music Entertainment.

The Palo Alto store will be the first to feature an entertainment zone with different themes throughout the year, beginning with Spiderman II, followed by Columbia Pictures Classic movies, and then Game Show Network programming.

The store also features two concierge desks, situated at each of two store entrances; a consultation booth; Wi-Fi wireless Internet access; online product information through SonyStyle.com; custom installation support; and personalized in-home delivery service.

The previous four Sony Style concept stores are in South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, Calif.); Beverly Center (Los Angeles); Copley Place (Boston) and the Houston Galleria. Sony also has two flagship stores, on Madison Avenue in New York and at the Metreon Center in San Francisco.