Solana Spaces store opens in New York City

The first physical Solana Spaces store opened in Hudson Yards shopping center, New York City on Thursday. The store aims to educate new users about how to use decentralized applications (Dapps) and onboard them to the Solana blockchain.

Solana is known as one of the ‘Ethereum killers’ or rivals as the blockchain promises faster transaction processes, higher throughout, low fees, while offering smart contracts that power NFTs and Dapps.’

The store claims to be ‘the world’s first retail and educational space dedicated to Web3.’ It features tutorials that show all the transactions and processes on the blockchain, programming services and Solana-based on-chain experiences for new users to learn how to use the blockchain. It also has an NFT gallery with the Degenerate Apes Academy Collection adorning the walls.

There will also be a seed phrase kiosk where visitors can generate their own Solana Phantom wallets as well as a display of Solana’s upcoming product Saga phone and other crypto lifestyle merchandise including t-shirts and Solana-based NFTs. 

‘Spaces is everyone’s first crypto friend. Inside, you’ll learn how Solana works, what Web3 is. We’ll set you up with a wallet and your first NFTs and guide you through your first on-chain transactions.’ Solana wrote in a Twitter post announcing the store’s launch. 

‘We also designed Spaces to be cultural centers, embassies for Solana. We’ll be an event host, a launchpad, and a purveyor of Solana culture – including a new set of merch, and frequent limited edition collaborations with brands in and outside of crypto.’

Solana Spaces CEO Vibhu Norby said the new physical Solana stores will bring up to 100,000 people per month to the Solana ecosystem while hinting at plans to launch a virtual storefront soon. 

‘I don’t think people realize this but we’re going to bring 50 to 100,000 people into Solana every month through these stores — and that’s just this year.' he added. 

Photo: Fortune