MakerBot Opens First Mini-retail Offering in New York’s B&H SuperStore

On Thursday (May 29) MakerBot and B&H Photo Video opened a MakerBot store within the B&H SuperStore on Ninth Avenue in New York City.

This is MakerBot’s first store-within-a-store, and is its largest retail store, outside of its stores in New England and New York. According to B&H, the partnership was a no-brainer, since MakerBot’s 3D printers complement the photo, video, printing and audio products B&H already offers.

“Showcasing cutting-edge technology is part of what B&H is all about,” said Brian Markman, director of sales at B&H Photo Video.

“We have been fans of 3D printing for a long time. After seeing the great response to MakerBot products online, as well as the replacement parts for drones/copters used in Aerial Imaging that our customers have made, we know that MakerBot is a proven performer. Our customer base is full of avid makers and we are confident they will also embrace 3D printing and all that it has to offer in the store.”

MakerBot’s Vice President of Sales agreed about the appropriateness of the joint venture, saying “B&H has been selling MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers online for a few months.”

“In that short period of time, B&H has quickly become one of MakerBot’s highest-performing partners. Expanding MakerBot products to the B&H SuperStore in New York City is a natural progression and one we are really excited to launch with the first-ever MakerBot store-within-a-store.”

The MakerBot store-within-a-store at B&H will be a 150-square-foot island, in the center of the store. Knowledgeable B&H employees will man the store and demonstrate how 3D printers work, as well as show consumers how they can integrate the technology into their audio, video and photo creative pursuits.

“3D printing is the next creative medium and it makes a lot of sense to combine 3D printing with photo, video and audio products,” said MakerBot’s CEO Bre Pettis. Pettis, who is an avid photographer and videographer, said 3D printers allow photographers, videographers and sound technicians to innovate.

“This industry has everyday uses for 3D printed accessories. Providing them an opportunity to experience and purchase MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers and products right at the store they frequent for other supplies is a great combination.”

Customers will also be able to purchase Makerbot products at the mini-retail offering, such as MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers, MakerBot PLA Filament, the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner and other 3D printing accessories.

What do you think about this partnership?  Discuss in the B&H Superstore thread on 3DPB.com.