Although it sometimes seems like Samsung and HTC are the only manufacturers fighting for Android device supremacy, there are others out there producing some top of the line smartphones that should satisfy even the most cutting edge buyer. A good candidate for this is the Sony Xperia Z which just succeeded at selling 4.6 million units during its first 40 days on the market. Sony appears to be ready to try to capitalize on this success and keep the momentum going, at least in the U.S., with plans to expand their retail footprint through the use of stand-alone stores and freestanding Galleries.
Analysts indicate the Xperia Z’s success can be attributed to three main factors. First, Sony got a jump on other manufacturers by releasing the Xperia Z early in the year and shipping in March, meaning they have not had to compete with other flagship devices that many people are waiting for. Second, with features like the Exmor RS camera lens and being waterproof and dustproof, the device not only competes well against other top-end smartphones, it is able to bring something unique to the table. Finally, the Xperia Z being made from glass is appealing to many buyers who perceive it as being an elegant device.
Riding on the success of the Xperia Z, Sony recently launched a new Sony Store in Palo Alto, California at the Stanford Shopping Center and plans to re-open stores in Miami, San Diego, and Orlando. All of the stores will use a similar design concept to help standardize the buying experience for customers. These openings will bring the number of Sony Stores in the U.S. up to eight. Carrying a smaller selection of Sony products, plans are in the works to open Sony Galleries throughout the country. The Gallery concept is basically a kiosk type location typically found in malls, both indoor and outdoor.
These moves will still leave Sony far behind smartphone giants like Samsung and Apple in terms of retail locations and units sold. However, Sony clearly has some buzz and should be able to convert some of that to increases in market share.
sources: GSM Insider, Slashgear
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