High-Tech b8ta Store Schedules Grand Opening At The Domain, Marking Texas Entry

AUSTIN, TX — This is the equivalent of being a kid in a candy store for tech geeks: San Francisco-based b8tafeaturing a dizzying array of cutting-edge technology gadgets is scheduled to open Saturday at The Domain.

In a press release emailed to Patch, company officials describe themselves as "a software-powered retailer that's disrupting the embattled retail industry." By offering an array of products falling into the "Internet of Things" category, officials hope to build a solid base of consumers in Austin following previous openings of stores in the California cities of Santa Monica and Palo Alto and a third store in Seattle.

Among the featured products: The Internet-connected June Intelligent Oven, enabling enables people to watch what's cooking for dinner even when not at home; the connected home robot by OhmniLabs; a Blink electric skateboard made by Acton; high-tech baby monitors; an array of smart toys for kids; high-end headphones; the Soundwall Solstice, a flat-panel speaker made of switchable art; the bluetooth Neo Smartpen that writes like a regular pen but captures information in the cloud; 3-in-1 earbuds by Doppler Labs Inc. If virtual reality devices are more your speed (the Oculus Rift, for example), there are plenty of those as well.

The store at 11701 Domain Blvd #174, encompasses more than 3,000 square feet, located across from the Restoration Hardware in the north side corridor at The Domain. The grand opening is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but a special opening event is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, featuring music, free food, drinks and giveaways. Cade Sheldon will play live music from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition, b8ta’s CEO, Vibhu Norby, will be on-site and available to answer questions and greet visitors.

The store's sleek aesthetic matches the modernity of its wares. Designed by leading international architecture firm Gensler, the sleek storefront beckons the tech-savvy to discover, experience, and purchase the latest consumer technology, company officials said. The business model is also unique and informs more of the firm's status as industry disrupter, offering a retail-as-service model, meaning makers lease space on the show floor, and receive all proceeds of sales. Because data powers the entire operation, b8ta’s inventory will change month-to-month based on performance, offering frequent opportunities for new makers—and novel experiences for customers, officials said.

The Austin store marks the company's entry into the Texas market and its first store outside the West Coast. It's also the company's largest store to date. In perhaps inadvertent nod to the musical legacy of Austin, an area for live performances and demonstration of the latest music technology are part of the mix.

“The high-tech products that we bring in are made by both engineers and artisans, and those makers are creating our new software-driven and networked culture," Vibhu Norby, CEO and co-founder of b8ta, said in a prepared statement. "You couldn’t pick a better city than Austin for b8ta to open, the perfect melting pot of technology, arts, and culture.”

Norby expanded on the company's concept: “b8ta empowers the entrepreneurs creating today’s most innovative products by making retail accessible to them—not just to the big companies that can traditionally afford a retail presence. At the same time, customers can expect to discover a variety of technology products they likely haven’t seen before, with inventory that changes monthly and a chance to touch, play, and learn about the latest innovations just coming onto the market.”

Once at full steam, the store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information and photos of the Austin store, click here.

The company debuted its flagship store in Palo Alto in 2015, followed by stores in Seattle and Santa Monica in 2016. Company officials attribute the growth of their enterprise to $19.5 million in funding led by Khosla Ventures and TriplePoint Capital with participation from Fifth Wall Ventures, Eniac Ventures, Graphene Ventures, Comcast Ventures, and national mall operator Macerich.

>>> Image(s) via b8ta