Huawei opens flagship experience store in Madrid, with more locations on the way

Huawei has opened its largest retail store outside of China, with more to come.

While there are already other Huawei stores around Europe, including one I spotted in Berlin last year, the latest store opening in the Spanish capital is on a grand scale – with 1,100 square metres of retail space spread over two floors.

In much the same vein as an Apple or Microsoft store, the store is about more than just selling Huawei products. Customers can also receive product training (including expert masterclasses on things like photography and design) and technical support.

The huge new store is located at Gran Via 48, Madrid and will be known as the ‘Huawei Space’ to showcase the whole of Huawei’s product portfolio, from smartphones and tablets, through to laptops, mobile broadband products, wearables and other accessories.

A similar sized site is planned to open in Barcelona later this year.

Walter Ji, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group in western Europe said: “Customers are and will always be our number one priority at Huawei, no matter what challenges we face as a brand.

“We have opened this world leading flagship space in one of Europe’s most premium locations as evidence of our commitment to our customers, and to show that for our business, nothing has changed. This is the latest step in our continued ambition of bringing meaningful innovation to every person around the world.”

There’s no word on a UK store as yet, and Huawei is likely only too aware of failed attempts by other manufacturers such as Nokia and Samsung to create massive stores in the UK.

Most notable was Nokia’s store that was directly opposite the Apple Store on London’s Regent Street, followed later by Samsung opening a huge shop in Westfield, Stratford. Both closed within a relatively small time.

Samsung has since opened smaller experience stores.

With Microsoft due to open a huge flagship store tomorrow in London, perhaps now is the time to think big – especially now Huawei has been given a new lease of life and can get its business back on track.

Huawei is promising of a huge range of announcements at the upcoming IFA exhibition in Berlin this September.