MYSTERY SHOPPER Hemel Hempstead
Known for its distinctive modular ‘magic’ roundabout, Hemel is one of the UK’s busiest New Towns – and the most populated location in Hertfordshire as of the 2001 census. But is it the right place to fi nd a desktop, laptop or tablet for student use? Our Mystery Shopper fi nds out…
5/10 MAPLIN
DESPITE racks and racks of electricals and tech, I struggled to fi nd a single desktop or laptop system in the neatly arranged outlet. I took a look at the
offerings on display. Of the fi ve products displayed, every single machine was a Prestigio tablet. The pricing range was as limited – only stretching from £100 to £159. As I browsed the store
one fi nal time for laptop and desktop alternatives, a staff member approached and warmly offered his help, to fi nd what I was looking for.
52 | PCR August 2014
I explained what I was looking for, and he admitted that while the store didn’t stock any such products, they were instead available to purchase online.
He then explained that the outlet did hold components and cases to be used in a custom-built desktop, if I was interested in building a machine for university. With a mixed quality of customer service and a severely lacking selection of in-store products, Maplin needed to learn some lessons about selling to students.
STAPLES
BOXES, abandoned trollies and scattered offi ce furniture dotted the entrance of this Staples store.
Despite the initial
warehouse-like appearance of the store, the computing section was easy to fi nd – laptops, desktops and tablets directly ahead of the door. Contrasting the chaotic arrangement of desks, the computers were excellently positioned, with productivity software, as well as essential accessories, prominently displayed nearby. I asked a member of staff at the tills
whether he could help me fi nd the right system.
My helper was the epitome of customer service. He clearly explained the benefi t of each tech specifi cation and how it would benefi t me. Dismissing hybrid tablets as not overly suitable for the potential beer-spilling environments of university, he recommended Asus as a reliable brand, highlighting the X550 model – dead on my budget at £350.
Staples provided the ideal buying experience for any tech-seeking student.
www.pcr-online.biz
9/10
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