T Stands For Terrible
Jun 26th, 2008 by squizzmaster
No showbag, no hats, no other freebies. I went to the public launch day of Melbourne’s first Telstra T-Life store and all I got was this crummy bottle of water.
A prime location and prominent building once showcasing the best of child Slave Labour, this corner of Bourke and Swanston Street is now home to one of the largest Telstra stores ever. What a wasted opportunity inside and out with a nasty, long, digital advertising billboard with nothing of interest for anyone really.
STORE CONTENTS
Downstairs
They showcased the upcoming Foxtel HD. I didn’t think it was very well done. When you’re demonstrating High Definition Video you really need to make sure that the display is stunningly, jaw dropping crisp.
A good example of this is at the Sony store in the Galleria, up the escalators (near the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Street). I tried to take into account my position to the screens, standing at different angles and distances. I also took control of the remote to ensure that true HD content was being displayed.
There are a few touch screens with boring content, some kid playing games, some fake grass with a phone at the end of it and a drum set, electric guitar and keyboard that I wasn’t actually allowed to play. All in all, a large space that some people had trouble filling with new and exciting stuff.
Upstairs
At the top of the escalators you’re faced with a small seating area containing shelved and refrigerated water. Let’s hope this free water remains a permanent feature, it could be the only thing that entices people into the store, locals and tourists alike. This floor consists mainly of many more touch screens and every mobile phone available through Telstra. There’s a bit more to it like a training/information/seminar room but essentially, more waste of more valuable space.
Conclusion
These new T-Life stores from Telstra are another notch on Telstra’s in your face branding, it’s just a huge shame that it’s at the expense of Melbourne’s city charm and the street experience of the general public. This prominent location is a HUGE 14 month letdown and my heart bleeds for the staff that out number the customers.
I agree with the digital bill board!
Like serious if you’re gonna spend millions of dollars at least put something use up for people to see, all we get is the crap logo
I’d rather see half naked chic advertisements! Bring those ads back!!