Nokia will close its two flagship stores in New York and Chicago early next year. It had opened both in 2006 to broaden the appeal of the Nokia brand in the United States where its market share is not as high as it is in other parts of the world.
According to Nokia’s statement, the decision is part of a new retail strategy that will focus in increased cooperation with wireless carriers and retailers.
Nokia remains committed to providing the best consumer and retail experience around the world – the Flagship Stores are only part of Nokia’s retail experience and marketplace strategy. Nokia’s retail strategy includes retail and operator partners and their more than 600,000 retail outlets globally. All of these customer outlets will remain essential to Nokia’s ongoing success and continue to be a primary sales channels in the future.
Nokia also announced plans to close its flagship stores in London, England and Sao Paolo, Brazil.