AT&T opening 'Store of the Future' in Charlotte

AT&T is opening a new store Monday in Charlotte, featuring its new "mobile lifestyle"-focused design. Called the "Store of the Future," the northeast Charlotte location is AT&T's second such store in North Carolina, following one in Raleigh.

The store features elements such as a flexible layout, community tables "that let customers shop and play in an open and interactive space" where they can test out apps and devices, and "lifestyle vignettes" that showcase how devices can be used in people's lives for things such as music and home security.

The store won't have any cash registers. Instead, shoppers will be able to pay workers with mobile, tablet-based point-of-sale systems. The store also won't have any printed brochures, relying on digital displays and touch screen devices instead.

“Customers visiting our WT Harris store will discover an interactive shopping experience built around their mobile lifestyle,” said Cristy Swink, AT&T’s vice president and general manager for the Mid-Atlantic market, in a statement.

AT&T's "Store of the Future" location in Atlanta. Courtesy AT&T

Here's how AT&T describes some of the features of its new store: "The store layout will highlight AT&T’s products and services, devices and accessories across three unique “zones” – the Connected Experience Zone, the Community Zone, and the Explore Zone.

• The new Connected Experience Zone features “lifestyle vignettes” that offer customers a glimpse of how products can be used in customers’ everyday lives. These lifestyle pavilions will highlight categories such as music, home security, entertainment and more.
• Next is the Community Zone, featuring “community tables” that let customers shop and play in an open and interactive space.  This space has apps, accessories and devices on display to show customers how they can work together.
• Finally, customers can check out the Explore Zone with “explore walls” that showcase AT&T’s diverse device line-up and accessories complemented by digital monitors with product information."