Virgin Media O2 opens the doors to flagship store in Westfield, Stratford City

Virgin Media O2 has today opened a new concept store in Westfield Stratford City bringing together the best in mobile, broadband and connected living.

The concept store, which is the UK’s largest telco store at nearly 5,000 sqft, represents a key milestone in the operator’s retail strategy and adds to the current 300 stores it already operates across the UK. The expanded premises will serve as a technology hub for the local Stratford community and provide a one-stop shop for consumers looking to access support, upskill or get their hands on the latest technology.

The shop will be divided into discovery zones across an open-plan layout, giving customers the chance to test out Virgin Media O2’s latest products as well as popular gaming and entertainment tech, with dedicated expert advisers on hand to answer any questions.

The discovery zones for customers to enjoy include:

• Expert Support Bar: A one-stop shop for members of the public to deepen their tech knowledge. Visitors can receive personalised support from one of the store’s expert advisers, offering hands-on advice covering everything from how to set up a smartphone to finding out how to keep children safe online.
• Ultimate Gaming Zone: Following the success of Virgin Media Gamepad located in The O2, which has seen 90,000 visitors this year, store guests can try out cutting-edge VR and AR gaming experiences.
• Fitness and wellbeing area: Shoppers can explore the latest in wearable tech to stay on top of their health and test their reaction skills with the Batak speed game.
• Priority from O2: Discover Virgin Media O2’s customer reward programme, Priority, available to all customers, offering them average savings of £500 per year. Members can enjoy a wide range of rewards, including accessing gig tickets exclusively 48 hours before general sale.

Westfield Stratford City attracts approximately 50 million visitors a year making it one of Europe’s highest footfall destinations,  and an ideal location to strengthen the brand’s connection with its customers.

Earlier this year, the operator rolled out new tools that enable store staff to better support customers with their services in person. Additional functionality will be added next year to further empower store staff and provide Virgin Media O2 customers with more ways to get help should they need it.

Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer, Virgin Media O2 said: “Today’s opening demonstrates our ongoing commitment to serving customers at a time and place that works best for them, including on the high street. Over the past 12 months, we have invested millions of pounds to upgrade and improve over one hundred stores giving customers a brilliant experience when they shop with us.

“With further investment planned in 2025 and beyond, including new tools that will bolster the support colleagues can offer in person, we remain focused on strengthening our connections with communities and delivering even more value for our customers.”

Virgin Media O2 adopted a sustainable approach when constructing the store, incorporating recycled and reused materials while prioritising energy efficiency throughout the design and build.

The store also aims to make it easier for consumers to recycle their old or unwanted devices, helping the company to reach its wider sustainability targets. Electronics, including old mobiles, earphones, wearable tech and cables can be recycled in exchange for money – ideal for consumers wanting to make some extra cash or de-clutter their homes in the lead up to Christmas.

As part of Virgin Media O2’s commitment to supporting the local community, the store is also a National Databank hub, where people experiencing data poverty can get a free O2 SIM with 25GB of monthly data, plus texts and calls for 12 months to stay connected.

To mark the store opening, shoppers can enjoy a DJ set from TV presenter and broadcaster, Dermot O’Leary, grab a goody bag (first 50 customers) and pick-up a free hot drink throughout the opening week.

The flagship store is located on the ground floor and will be open from 10am-9pm Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm Saturday and 12pm-6pm Sunday.

Opening in time for Christmas shopping, customers can get their hands on the latest and greatest in gaming, broadband and mobile offers including: