First for EE in Scotland as it preps launch of Experience store in Glasgow's Braehead Shopping Centre

EE is opening the first of its Experience stores in Scotland, with a launch this week in Glasgow. The new store, which opens today at 12 pm in the city’s Braehead Shopping Centre, will see a guest appearance from former Scotland rugby captain John Barclay, who will cut the ribbon and welcome its first visitors. 

Glasgow is the fourth Experience store launch of 2025, following Merry Hill in the West Midlands, as well as Sheffield and Nottingham earlier this year. All of these are part of EE’s £3 million investment into bricks and mortar retail this year as it continues to roll-out the experiential format across the UK. 

The Glasgow store has been designed to help customers test out the best smart tech, while also providing support from EE’s in-store staff for those looking for help with their devices. It features Experience Zones themed around four key areas – Game, Work, Learn, and Home – along with a Tech Home area showcasing the future of connected living.  

Glasgow is also one of over 400 locations across the UK where families can book a 30-minute session with an EE employee to receive personalised support and practical guidance on online safety. Developed in partnership with Internet Matters, this new service can also help with setting up a child’s first device, whether it’s new or a hand-me-down.

Asif Aziz, Retail Director at EE, comments: “Our goal is to create welcoming spaces where shoppers can explore, play and connect with technology, all while receiving expert guidance from our excellent EE Guides.”

“As we bring our Experience store format to Scotland, we look forward to helping local communities discover how technology, when paired with the best network, can enhance their every day, while also helping families feel empowered to manage their children’s connected lives.”

“I would encourage anyone to drop by and speak to our wonderful team in Glasgow about how to make the most of their connected tech - whether it’s upgrading to the latest handset or finding out the best parental controls available.” 

Ashley Bisland, Centre Director at Braehead Shopping Centre, says: "We're delighted to be the chosen location for EE's Experience Store and home to the first of its kind in Scotland. Our strong retail mix at Braehead Shopping Centre already appeals to a wide range of shoppers and EE's investment in the Experience Zone will be a welcome offering for our community of technology enthusiasts." 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.