First HP Experience Store in the world to open in South Africa

HP, in partnership with Digital Planet, today announced its plans to launch HP Experience in South Africa. HP Experience will be the first of its kind concept retail store in the world.

South Africa was selected as the location for the opening of the flagship store, located in Sandton City. The store will officially open on 1 April 2008.

Operated and owned by Digital Planet, the store will sell HP's entire portfolio of consumer products - from personal computing to imaging and printing products. In addition, consumers will be able to view and experience the latest HP technology in the store.

"As the store name implies, it will be all about the experience. We want to entice consumers and provide them with an opportunity to engage with the latest and most exciting HP technology," said Neil Watson, Director and co-founder of Digital Planet.

The launch of HP Experience marks another milestone in HP's continued move into the consumer market. Following the introduction of the HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook PC range just over 18 months ago, it has grown to become one of the top selling consumer notebook brands in South Africa.

In 2007, HP became the first multinational IT vendor to complete external verification confirming a Level 2 Contributor status to broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE). HP's commitment to the South African market is now further strengthened by its co-investment in the first standalone HP retail store in the world.

"Everything is becoming digital and broadband is becoming pervasive. HP has the technologies that make it easy for consumers to game, view, listen, work and share when and where they want. HP Experience is another way to take the personal digital entertainment experience even broader. We are confident in the future of South Africa and will continue to invest in broadening our footprint in all market segments," said Paul Boshoff, General Manager of the Personal Systems Group, HP South Africa.