Another direct-selling alternative is the manufacturer owned store or independent franchise store. One of the first successful Us.based international Sin established a companies, worldwide chain of company-owned and -operated outlets to sell and service sewing machines As d in Chapter 9. Japanese consumer electronics companies integrate stores into their dis tribution groups. Apple, Levi Strauss, Nike, Sony, well-known fashion design houses, and other companies with strong brands sometimes establish flagship retail stores as product showcases or as a means of obtaining marketing intelligence (see Exhibit 12-3). Nokia and Motorola re among the cell phone marketers that have opened branded stores in London. Moscow. New York. Paris, and other major cities. The stores are designed to provide an interactive shopping