Nokia refused to develop mono-brand retail sales in Russia. All Nokia branded stores will be closed soon, however, the exact date of liquidation has not yet been determined.
In total, about 50 Nokia branded stores were opened in Russia. However, in May 2012, the Finnish company announced the closure of the entire mono-brand network in the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, the company's management asked Russian users not to worry - all Nokia products can be purchased in multi-brand stores and on the Internet. Instead of Nokia, Nosima, which was involved in the sale of the brand's products, will conclude a contract with Samsung Electronics, and Samsung stores will appear in place of Nokia showrooms.
A similar decision was made by the company's management in connection with the restructuring policy adopted by the Finnish company. Such measures are being taken to combat the consequences of the severe crisis in which the company has been for several years.
The development of sales in Nokia branded showrooms was recognized by the management as non-priority and unprofitable. Nevertheless, company representatives say that retail trade in large Russian cities through other channels remains one of the highest priority areas of development.
It turned out that multi-brand points of sale and active sales via the Internet are quite enough to maintain sales of Nokia products in Russia. Unlike branded showrooms of such large manufacturers as Apple, Nokia stores did not generate such a stir among buyers and were far from the most significant item of the company's income.
So lovers of Nokia products should not be upset - the company is not going to leave the Russian market, the only goal that the company pursues by closing the showrooms is to optimize sales. However, such a measure can be regarded by IT specialists as proof of serious problems that exist in the company at the moment.
