In an effort to make technology less intimidating a number of electronics retailers are making their stores more like a place to hang out than simply a display for products. Verizon, Dell and Motorola are all companies that have opened bright, shiny "experience" stores that are designed to make customers more comfortable. The stores are places where customers are free to try out the products and ask questions as opposed to being confronted by salespeople. There's also a renewed emphasis on customer service and employee knowledge.

Since a good portion of customer dissatisfaction comes from the gap between advertised and actual corporate image, an emphasis on creating good customer experiences is always a good thing.