In Santa Monica

Nov 22, 2006 11:37 GMT  ·  By

HELIO, LLC announced today that the company's flagship Helio Store on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA, is now open.

The first of five announced Helio Stores planned to be open by early 2007, the 4,000 square foot sleek and modern space is expected to create an entirely new retail experience.

"Helio stores are designed to be unlike anything else in the wireless world," said Sky Dayton, CEO of HELIO LLC. "They truly embody the Helio spirit of design and the lifestyle of today's young consumers. Now people can experience Helio first hand while they shop for new exclusive devices or test our cool services. Or our members can cruise by to meet up or just hang out with friends."

Helio Stores are a fresh approach to the U.S. wireless industry, offering an experiential shopping atmosphere focused on great service and an ongoing relationship with each member. Unlike traditional transaction focused wireless shops where consumers take a number and wait in long lines at cash registers, Helio Stores put the guest at the center of the experience. Conceived with influences from the hottest nightclubs and boutiques, and focused on personalized service worthy of the Helio brand, Helio Stores revolve around a centrally located lounge where Helio members and first time visitors can gather to casually test out Helio services, browse the web or watch programming on a crisp 60-inch plasma display. Helio Stores also feature intimate pods that take the place of rows of drone phone displays found at other carriers' stores. Pods are an integrated environment where visitors can sample live devices and services, learn about Helio memberships, accessorize and sign up without ever having to wait in line at a traditional cash register.

Helio Stores are also designed to accommodate workshops, tutorials and special after hour events like musical performances and art shows.

Helio Stores are also planned for San Diego, Palo Alto and Denver in 2006 and in New York in early 2007. Additional Helio Stores are planned for 2007 and throughout the coming years. Each store will carry a portfolio of Helio devices such as the Hero, Kickflip and Drift, Helio's newest device developed by Samsung, which features GPS-enabled services like Google Maps for mobile and Buddy Beacon.