Exclusive: Wearable tech brand Garmin has opened its first-ever store in the UK as part of its commitment to its “growing base” of active-lifestyle customers, Retail Week can reveal.
Garmin has opened the 1,500 sq ft store in Westquay shopping centre in Southampton, close to where it set up its European headquarters 30 years ago.
The company said opening a physical store in a location with 17 million annual visitors brings the brand “even closer to customers”.
The Southampton site marks the first and only UK retail location to showcase Garmin’s range of electronics such as smartwatches, cycling computers, golf devices and products for cars and the marine industry.
The store also allows shoppers to get hands-on with the devices and chat with experts about the products.
The interior shows the brand “come to life” with imagery, colours and textures inspired by the outdoors. Garmin is also planning to engage with the local community through store activations throughout the year.
Garmin managing director UK and Ireland Jon Oliver told Retail Week: “We are thrilled to bring Garmin’s extensive product range to one location on the high street in the UK for the first time.
“We’re passionate about our products and excited for more customers to experience them first-hand, whether that’s through speaking to our expert staff or attending the events we will hold for the local community.
“It feels fitting that the next step in our growth in the UK is the opening of this store in Southampton’s Westquay, down the road from our European headquarters.”
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