It’s gotta be tough to be a Samsung spokesman these days. The inside of your cheek is constantly bleeding from biting it when having to answer questions about Samsung’s “alleged” copying of all things Apple. And your feet must get really sore from doing all that dancing around questions too!
The Brisbane Times, via MacDailyNews:
It’s a flagship consumer electronics store on Sydney’s George Street with smiling blue shirt-wearing sales staff, a minimalist design and smartphones and tablets that invite customers to pick up and play.
But according to Samsung, the new store – just a block from Apple’s Sydney store – was all its own idea. The company, renowned as a “fast follower” of the market leader, is doing little to dispel the notion that it is an Apple copycat.
The report says everything from the store layout to the sales staff, to the products, (DUH!) to even the packaging and promotional material is like it was photocopied from an Apple store location. (See the photos accompanying this article for a little DejaVu if you want to relive your latest Apple Store visit..)
Of course Samsung Australia’s vice-president of telecommunications, Tyler McGee, said Apple “didn’t even come into the equation when we were looking for a location [for the store]”.
You have to admit though, the store layout is pretty similar… OK, almost identical to that of an Apple Store. You’ll admit that right? “Well, if you look at our layout this is the layout that we use around the world and it’s about basically giving the consumers the opportunity to interact, learn and play with our devices,” McGee said.
OK thanks Mr. McGee, you might want to have someone look at that bloody cheek. I’ll bet a nice foot bath will feel good on those aching tootsies too!
Other retailers are struggling, yet Apple’s 373 stores in 13 countries, (including 14 stores in Australia), are doing great business! Global sales of $16 billion last year. Makes sense you’d want to borrow a few ideas from the leader.
But geez people, let’s not run the whole damn store through the duplicator and then just change the logos! Ah well, if you can’t be the best, then steal from the best!
