I'm sure this is according to plan... just not sure which plan or whose...
Helio launched another flagship store just down the street from Stanford campus on University Avenue in Palo Alto. While on University Ave for other reasons, I have been by the store three times. Once I looked in from across the street. The next time I went into the empty store at 1:00p on a Wednesday. This time, it was 8:30 on a Thursday night. By comparison, the Apple Store, across the street and after which the "Helio Lounges" are modeled, was bustleing with people of all ages. Granted Apple has a much broader product offering to appeal to more folks.. but there were people there for classes (me), looking at the new Apple TV, looking at iPods and Shuffles, accessories, software.. the parking spot I found was after someone loaded their new MacBook Pro into the back...
(Yes, the store is "open". Note the unmanned table is in front of the glass on the sidewalk)
The area has vitality, wealth, a young demographic... but apparently not in this store... It's early, perhaps the MVNO strategy will pan out..
