The main difference I found between this Future Shop and the others I have previously visited (I bought two of my laptop computers at Future Shop, including my about-to-die eMachines) is the concept of The Hub (a centralized customer-centred point of reference).

Photo credit: Derek K. Miller on Flickr.

It was very fun to see several of my friends there (since the invite was somewhat secret, I didn’t actually know who else was coming), including obviously Darren, Derek, Monica, Arieanna, Ianiv, Dale, Roland, Tris, John Biehler and his wife, Gregg Scott and Greg Andrews, and we even bumped into Buzz Bishop.

There is a mini-Apple Store in the Future Shop, but it’s smallish. However, it’s the best you can get if you are an Apple geek and you don’t want to go DT (e.g. if you’re in the North Shore).

Arieanna, Roland and Ianiv. Photo credit: Well, me of course

We were given a very good tour of the store, and I have to admit that I kind of liked when the tour guide said “here, the customer representatives don’t work on commission, we are here to make your experience the best“. For whatever is worth, that demonstrates a refreshing change of pace. I captured some video on my Flickr (I really need to check how to embed Flickr video on WP.com, but that’s not a priority now).

While not everybody went to Browns Social House for dinner afterwards (Greg and Gregg deserted us, hehehe) it was a nice change of scenery for me, and a fun event to attend. I even initiated a discussion on fashion for male geeks on Twitter!

It was also fun just to get away from my worries and spend some time with geek friends, seeing as I already have my flight booked and I’m pretty much 99% packed. Thanks to Darren for inviting us.

[UPDATE - Darren was kind enough to provide us with a fun schematic diagram of The Hub]

Photo Credit: Darren Barefoot

Related posts:

1. Rogers Chocolates (The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver)
2. Fashion for male geeks
3. Launch of Pinkberry Canada at the Village in Park Royal (West Vancouver) and a concert with Cory Monteith and Bonnie Dune