Virgin Media O2 has opened a new flagship concept store at Westfield Stratford City, marking a significant milestone in its retail strategy. Spanning nearly 5,000 sq ft, the store is the UK’s largest telco retail space and aims to deliver an enhanced customer experience by integrating mobile, broadband, and connected living technology under one roof.
A Technology Hub for Stratford
The new store features an open-plan design with discovery zones, enabling visitors to explore Virgin Media O2’s latest offerings alongside popular gaming and entertainment technology. Expert advisers are available to provide personalised support, ensuring customers receive hands-on guidance for their technology needs.
The key discovery zones include:
- Expert Support Bar: A hub for visitors to deepen their tech knowledge, offering assistance on everything from smartphone setup to online safety tips for children.
- Ultimate Gaming Zone: Inspired by the success of Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2, this area features cutting-edge VR and AR gaming experiences.
- Fitness and Wellbeing Area: Shoppers can explore wearable tech and test their reaction skills using the Batak speed game.
- Priority from O2: Customers can learn about the Priority rewards programme, which provides exclusive benefits such as early access to gig tickets and average annual savings of £500.
Westfield Stratford City
Located in one of Europe’s busiest shopping centres, which attracts approximately 50 million visitors annually, the new concept store strengthens Virgin Media O2’s presence and connection with its customers. The flagship site is also part of the operator’s broader initiative to improve in-person customer service. Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 rolled out tools to enhance support offered by store staff, with additional upgrades planned for 2025.
Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives
Sustainability played a central role in the store’s design and construction, with recycled and reused materials incorporated throughout. Energy efficiency was prioritised, reflecting Virgin Media O2’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
The store also supports recycling initiatives, allowing consumers to trade in old or unwanted devices, including mobiles, earphones, wearable tech, and cables. Customers can exchange these items for cash, helping to declutter homes and contribute to sustainability goals.
Community Commitment: Bridging the Digital Divide
As part of its commitment to supporting local communities, Virgin Media O2’s new store serves as a National Databank hub, offering free O2 SIMs with 25GB of monthly data, texts, and calls for up to 12 months to people experiencing data poverty.
Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at 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.”
