UK retailer Phones4u has announced (via press release distributed today) that the company will be holding several Windows Phone 8 events in selected stores across the UK. The launch events, partnering with Microsoft, will take place in three key Phones4u stores this week - Market Street, Manchester; Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Brimingham; and Metro Centre, Gateshead.
The events will celebrate the release of Windows Phone 8 hardware that's available from the retailer, offering invaluable hands-on experience with the new devices while experts from Microsoft, Nokia and HTC will be at the locations to answer any questions consumers may have about the platform. It's good to see not only Nokia working with Microsoft in the UK, but also HTC which is a refreshing improvement on its TITAN and Radar launch.
An array of refreshments will be on offer during each of the events with a prize draw carried out at each store offering customers the chance to win prizes that include Xbox consoles and new Windows Phones. If that wasn't much of an incentive, customers will be given goody bags to take home, filled with Windows Phone merchandise and treats.
So when are the events being held? Times for November 22nd:
- 3pm – 6pm Manchester: 72 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PN
- 6pm – 9pm Birmingham: Unit L27-L28 Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1QX
- 6pm – 9pm Gateshead: Unit 4, Russell Way, 85 Metro Centre, Gateshead, NE11 9YZ
Phones4u currently stocks the EE exclusive Lumia 920, in multiple colours, as well as the Lumia 820, HTC 8X and HTC 8S. Phones4u reveals that it has been chosen as retail partner on its stand at this year's Gadget Show Live event taking place at the end of November. The stand will showcase Windows Phones and to illustrate what the platform offers consumers.
Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u added to the announcements:
"We’re delighted to be announcing our exclusive and extensive Windows Phone range of smartphones to our customers. We know from the fact that we have sold more Windows Phones in the UK than anyone else that our customers are strong advocates of the operating system and we are committed to providing them with unparalleled expert advice on the high-street and online for Windows Phone 8 as Microsoft launch the next generation of Windows Phone."
Leila Martine, Director of Windows Phone, followed up with:
"Phones 4u has been a Windows Phone partner from the very start as it realised there was a real market opportunity for Windows Phone. An opportunity which lies with all the people who were looking for something fresh and different in their smartphone. Phones 4u continue to offer the broadest range of Windows Phones, which makes it a great place to pop in and pick one up."
We'll attempt to journey to one of the Phones4u stores to see what all the fuss is about. Will you be heading along?
Rich Edmonds is a word conjurer at Windows Central, covering everything related to Windows, gaming, and hardware. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a device chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
