A Chinese electronics retailer is planning a network of stores where inventors or “makers” can create products, build their business and showcase their inventions.

The unique concept targeting technology innovators will spread to 20 stores, with the first already open in Shanghai. More will follow in Beijing and Guangzhou in April and May.

Backing the unique plan is Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, described as the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, which has established a retail brand Big Cyber as a subsidiary of its 31-strong Cybermart consumer electronics chain.

Big Cyber GM Wang Jung-ching said in an interview the retailer aims to offer a new platform for ‘makers’, who are inspired to create innovative physical products, to build their own business, as well as a space to showcase their products to consumers.

The first store, which opened in January, is selling technology and cultural products created and commercialised by Chinese inventors, along with products imported from Japan.

The store hosts workshops for students to build their own tech gadgets or craftwork. In the interview, he cited as an example a workshop where attendees learned how to use conductive paint to build paper house models that can be lit up by light-emitting diodes.

Wang’s plan is to follow Beijing and Guangzhou openings with a store in Shenzhen, a Chinese innovation hub, and expand the network to 20 stores by the year’s end.