HTC wants to emulate Apple with physical stores

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so the execs over at Apple might want to give themselves a pat on the back as Taiwanese manufacturer HTC intends to increase their presence in the local market by introducing a trio of flagship stores in Taiwan, not to mention having plans in the pipeline to cooperate with channel operators so that they can build a chain of more than 100 exclusive retail shops. Sounds familiar like the Apple Store and its success? Perhaps, but HTC has good reason to maintain the momentum they have created in 2010 with the success of its Android range of smartphones. The first of the three flagship stores was opened yesterday in Taiwan, and will be the benchmark and model for HTC to promote its brand products other Asia Pacific markets. Do you think going physical is still a viable business model to sell something like phones?