Exclusivity

A decade or two ago we did not have as many choices as we do today. Stores brag about being a "one-stop-shop" satisfying every need a person can have, giving them all the choices possible. At Carrefour in Dubai, and other parts of the world, they have everything from cheese to TV's to clothes to shampoo. Pretty much like Wal-Mart here.

So, what's with Apple stores, and Nokia stores? Besides, ofcourse, the fact that they are gorgeous!

And that's just the outside. Once you're in the store, it's even more mesmerizing. And is it possible to go in and come out empty handed? iPod users allegedly spend $1 on iPod accessories for every $4 they spent on their iPod. Whoever said accessories never go out of style wasn't talking about the iPod, but it sure does apply. So, is the one-stop-shop going out of style? Personally, I love the exclusivity of these stores- I like being surrounded by all those amazing products, all from one glorious brand. That's why they do it. You compare Nokia products with other Nokia products, and not with competitor products. They get you into this exclusive store, enamor you with amazingly beautiful displays of their awesome products, - it wouldn't be right if you walked out empty handed. Or so they hope.

Are these stores just a place to make a purchase that you would make anyways, or are they part of a huge marketing ploy to eliminate "options" from your mindset and make you focus on just that one brand and all it has to offer. Are we going to see more of these exclusive stores? Will Motorola, Sony and Dell follow suit? Will they start changing their business models and adapt to this new trend? Or will too much exclusivity give way and the one-stop-shop prevail?