Bambu Lab opened a physical retail store in China, and now we can see what’s in it.
Reddit contributor jeanconmigo posted multiple images of the inside of the store in Shenzhen, which is the company’s first physical store.
jeanconmigo described the store as having numerous displays of incredibly detailed 3D prints, usually involving many individual parts. They write:
“The ‘Bambu City’ sand table left me speechless. It’s hands down the most ambitious 3D printing project I’ve ever seen.
According to the staff, every single element is 3D printed—from the massive road networks down to the tiniest little chairs. The level of detail is just mind-blowing.
In addition, there is apparently a “Creator Space” where they display incredible 3D prints designed by leading MakerWorld contributors.”
The images show more. Here we can see Bambu Lab is displaying some of their materials and textures to the public.
The store apparently has countless 3D prints on display for visitors, and, although not shown by jeanconmigo, they very likely have 3D printers on display and for sale.
This is not the first physical 3D print store. There have been many attempts to launch them in the past, with perhaps the most notable being The MakerBot Store, which first opened in Manhattan, which we visited back in 2013, along with the iMakr store in London. In 2014 we visited the iGo3D store in Frankfurt.
All of these stores attempted to show the public the then-wondrous technology of 3D printing. They displayed then-amazing 3D prints, offered materials, training, and equipment. This all sounds very similar to what Bambu Lab is attempting today.
Unfortunately, all of those stores have changed significantly or even disappeared completely. Why? I think it was largely because the technology of the day wasn’t exactly as wondrous as touted. Machines frequently broke down, and repairs were difficult. I heard many stories of people who would “abandon” their 3D printer the first time it jammed because they had no idea what to do. And machines back then jammed a lot.
Because these stores largely failed to meet their consumer goals, the notion of 3D print retail faded somewhat. While there are certainly small mom-and-pop corner 3D printer retail stores, there haven’t been moves in this area by any of the biggest manufacturers.
That is, until Bambu Lab opened this store.
Will they succeed where others failed? Today, things are quite different technologically. The machines are vastly more reliable and capable — and they are cheaper too. Bambu Lab equipment in particular has become well known for its ability to “just work”.
That’s a similar philosophy that another well-known manufacturer takes. jeanconmigo wrote:
“To be honest, it feels just like an Apple Store of 3D printing.”
I would not at all be surprised to see more Bambu Lab stores pop up in larger centres later this year.
Via Reddit
