Interestingly, Sony will open a "SonyStyle" retail store (right) in the same Stanford mall, but in a larger space than Apple. Sony has opened big stores in New York, LA and Chicago (in same block as Apple’s store), but is now focusing on 5,000 square-foot stores with couches and a fireplace, and displays that show how Sony can be used (sound familiar?). A story in the LA Times discusses the SonyStyle stores and the companies plans (subscription required). Sony has 2 small stores in LA, one in Chicago, and another planned for Boston. They’re targeting 10 other metro areas for stores, the story notes. Altogether, the stores had 9 million visitors in 2003, compared to Apple’s 13.9 million visitors. Unlike Apple, Sony officials say the stores are not meant to generate a profit, but rather act as a showcase for the company’s products.

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