To promote Solana and Web3, the Solana Team is preparing to open the doors of a physical store in New York.
In an effort to raise awareness of the Solana blockchain and Web3 in general, the team behind open-source blockchain Solana (SOL) is getting set to launch its real store to the public in New York City, USA.
The Solana Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to the expansion of the Solana network, helped develop the store, known as Solana Spaces, which is housed in a mall in Hudson Yards.
It doesn't appear that the store is yet open. According to several accounts, the store has only been accessible to "preview guests" so far, and according to Solana Spaces, 30 previews were offered on Wednesday. The store is scheduled to open today, says Fortune.
Solana Spaces wants to be "the friend" who demonstrates how to get a wallet, your first airdrop, your first membership in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), and more, according to the store's official Twitter account.
For those who are already in…can you remember how and when you not only learned about crypto, but decided to dive into the rabbithole? And Solana?
— Solana Spaces (@solanaspaces) July 15, 2022
If you were like the creators of @solanaspaces, it started with a friend who pushed you to just give it a try.
"Everyone's first crypto friend is Spaces. You'll discover what Web3 is and how Solana functions inside. We'll help you get started with a wallet and your initial NFTs, as well as walk you through your first on-chain transactions, it said earlier this month.
In addition, Solana Spaces stated that the store was intended to serve as a "cultural hub" and "embassy" for the Solana neighborhood.
"We'll be an event host, a launchpad, and a purveyor of Solana culture," the statement read. "This will include a complete new range of merch and frequently limited edition collaborations with businesses in and outside of crypto."
Additionally, the store has announced Magic Eden, a significant NFT marketplace with headquarters in Solana, as a launch partner, bringing NFT collections, including Solana's collection Degenerate Ape Academy, to the store.
Excited to announce @MagicEden as a launch partner, bringing you NFT collections at Spaces including @degenapeacademy.
— Solana Spaces (@solanaspaces) July 25, 2022
Lots more about this partnership soon!
Want a @MagicEden cap? We've got one to give away. Like this post & follow both of us for a chance to win. pic.twitter.com/3JgXZK562C
According to the aforementioned Fortune story, the store is stocked with branded merchandise, has an interactive display, and has Degenerate Ape Academy NFTs all over its walls.
I apologize for the fomo @DegenApeAcademy @solanaspaces pic.twitter.com/SwqqH7BmyO
— NickyScanz @ Lollapalooza (@NickyScanz) July 28, 2022
With a market worth of USD 13.68 billion, Solana's native token SOL is now the ninth largest cryptocurrency. The blockchain was introduced as a substitute for the more expensive Ethereum (ETH), but it is struggling to live up to that expectation, especially given how frequently it goes down.
On the news, SOL is rising sharply in the meanwhile. It has increased by 8% to USD 39.6 as of 10:05 UTC on Thursday morning. It is down more than 6% in a week and up about 3% in a month.
