Helio's snazzy store

While visiting family in Palo Alto last weekend, I came upon a Helio store on the city's main shopping street, University Avenue. I knew the youth-centric MVNO carrier opened four stores in California and Colorado, but this was my first chance to visit one of the locations. I couldn't snap pictures inside, but like the carrier's corporate image, the store's interior was flashy, slick, and comfortable. There were lounge chairs, the staff was quite attentive, and the phones were featured in interactive display cases. My 6-year-old nephew was decidedly unimpressed until I showed him the dual-sliding action on the Helio Ocean. He promptly dropped his request to play hide-and-seek and was captivated.