Demoed at Brookstone, Topanga Plaza

[fredkap]

Spent about 45 minutes demoing at the Brookstone near my office. None of the employees there had seen a Segway or knew hardly anything about it. Let all of their employees try it as well as many of their customers. Everyone had a great time. I did not request permission to enter mall (it's part of the Westfield Group of malls), but glided at a slow walking speed both in and out. I didn't see mall security. The store offered me a job (declined but requested that they post any request at this chat site). I suggest that anyone desiring to be pro-active to contact their local store and ask if they would be interested if you stop by on your Seg, as I did. All demos were done in an area about 20 feet by 5 feet with my using maximum vigilence to avoid incidents. It was about 4:30 on a Friday so it wasn't prime time. I heard many rave comments in a short amount of time.

Fred

[BruceWright]

Great, Fred!

My local Brookstone is in plain view of the mall security, and I know that mall's security is very stick-up-butt about the Segway (they've hassled riders riding on the ajacent sidewalk!).

I don't think I'd have as easy a time as you did!

I think Topanga Plaza is the one getting a demo unit for the local area, right? Hopefully you made some sales!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[fredkap]

I called the store before I stopped by but did not have anyone meet me in the parking lot. If a store employee met you in the parking lot and accompanied you to the store, I don't think you would have any problem. Perhaps, you would have to power assist rather than glide which is less safe than gliding.
They are demoing units at 3 of their 37 Calif stores. Many of the stores that aren't demoing units such as Glendale Galleria, South Coast Plaza and Del Amo are some of the highest visited stores of their chain.

Fred


Fred

[SegwayLongIsland]

I stopped by the Brookstone in Rockerfeller Center last week and met the manager, John. It was 82 degrees last saturday in NYC. They are giving demos, but the security guards at Rockerfeller Center won't allow you ro ride to the store unless you are an employee. I don't know where they do the demos.

Also, John told me the display models in the windows are "gutless dummies" without batteries, boards, gyros, etc.

He also complained that someone who took a demo tightened the column adjusting grip so tight that they couldn't loosen it. He was afraid of breaking it and asked how mine worked and how to loosen it. I showed him what mine looked like when loosened and lifted, but he couldn't get it loose. Can't imagine how it got on there that tight??

He said they sold 3 in the first week.

I stopped by a store near home on Long Island. They won't be carrying displays or doing demos, but apparently 400 people from all the Brookstone stores were sent somewhere for a demo, explanation, etc by Segway. They complained of not having enough time on it, but everyone loved it.

Next time I'll try the store in the South Street Seaport. We had a great time riding there with JR from Segway during the upgrade and security was pretty cool there.

[pam]

Next time you're in, remind them about the strap wrench... That works really well at getting those grips undone.
Pam

[Bill Beatty]

This last week a friend's son Chris, visited Brookstone in the Indianapolis mall. None of the employees had ever seen one. They were very excited and got a demo and rides until security ended it and ushered him and his Seg out of the mall.

[Mr_Laurenzano]

Went to a auction to day in my community demo to 20 people ~~25-35- "Guy on a segway"-45 do I hear 50. Will action as last Item 5000.00 do I hear 51- 52... Wish me luck.

peace is a oneway street, with no crossroads and no deadends