We don’t need no stinking magic table.  That’s the message from Verizon Wireless, who like AT&T are redesigning their stores but without the addition of Microsoft’s expensive Surface multitouch tables.  In fact, horizontal-touchscreens aside, Verizon’s plans are far bigger than their GSM rival’s: they’ll be updating 280 of their stores in total, with 100 already made over. 

Highlights include:

• A dedicated demo zone where customers can explore, experiment and learn using interactive touch-screens or be guided by product-savvy sales staff.
• More than 55 working models of handsets, PC cards and other devices for customers to try.
• A greeter kiosk that allows customers to check in once they enter the store and list their wireless needs, so representatives can quickly assist them.
• A bill payment kiosk that allows customers to make account payments quickly and easily using checks, cash or credit/debit cards.
• Customer service and technical support departments, making it easy for customers to get account information, access customer service and address technical issues from trained in-store staff. 

While I admire most of the sentiment, is it just me who thinks that “product-savvy” staff shouldn’t be a new buzz-word but a condition of employment?  I’m tired of going into stores and dealing with people who wouldn’t know GSM from microUSB.

[via Gadgetell]