Future Shop Opens Compact Future Shop Store in North Vancouver
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
The idea
The Future Shop concept pairs a small storefront with knowledgeable product experts and a larger online department. Online items range from baby care to tools, furniture and even ice fishing huts. Future Shop, then Canada’s leading electronics merchant with 149 stores, was looking at markets it had not yet served. Store size for this format depends on the region and local demand.
How it compares with a regular store
| Item | Concept store | Regular store |
|---|---|---|
| Products in store | About 1,000 top sellers | 3500 |
| Demo TVs | 44 | 88 |
What the shopping experience looked like
- Clean lines of sight and a high-end look, closer to an Apple Store with Canadian red accents than a warehouse.
- More than a dozen tablets and desktop computers on the floor, giving access to nearly 60,000 products sold online.
- Staff carrying an iPad or Motorola tablet to demonstrate products, compare prices and complete a sale on the spot.
- Service reps with wireless microphones.
- Cross-trained product experts who could help across every department.
What came next
A second Future Shop store was planned for Brockville, Ontario the following month.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the store smaller?
Future Shop sized these stores to regional demand and used the online catalogue to make up the range.
Is Future Shop still open?
This article does not say. Treat it as a historical report.