New Sony store takes aim at Apple

Geek.com reports on a new Sony retail store coming to Japan, with a planned opening date of March 13. It reportedly will have two floors, with the upstairs devoted to home theater.

The store will be a showcase for the latest Sony devices, with staff on hand to talk you through using the gadgets, and each product type having its own area. There will also be a repair and servicing center. Sound familiar?

Sony looks like it has spent quite a bit of money on this venture using well-known Japanese architect Tadao Ando to design the store. There also seems to be some collaboration with Sony dealers in the area around the store to discuss marketing and product pushes.

A press release, issued in Japanese and viewable in English here, hints at a heightened emphasis on customer service and "seminars," even for Sony products purchased previously.