You’ll recall the trouble with the escalator that is part of the San Francisco retail store, and which leads from the street down to the BART rapid transit station. Now the full story is revealed–the “Chronicle Watch” newspaper column notes the escalator is working, after repairs were made. Repairs to what? The column revealed that the escalator was damaged when one of the stone slabs from the store’s façade dropped onto the escalator during construction. Ouch!
Thanks to Linda for coming up with a source of the backpack-style shopping bags that Apple uses at the retail stores. The bags appear to be single-ply rather than two-ply, and don’t look quite as elegant as Apple’s version. Check this link, then click on "Trade Show Bags" in the middle of the page.
AppleInsider reports that retail store employees will be meeting June 6th at an unstated location. The meetings are typically used to brief the employees on store performance, upcoming events and new services.
Victoria’s Secret just held the grand re-opening of its Stonestown (N. Calif.) store, leaving behind a space that reportedly will become an Apple store. Attention store-watchers– keep an eye on the old space to see what happens.
AppleInsider has some photos of the roof of the Regent Street (London) building into which Apple will install a retail store. They don’t show anything specifically "Apple," but it does show the 1800-era architecture of the building, especially in the sculpted details.
AppleInsider also has information on Apple’s plans to open four retail stores in Canada, although the location and timing aren’t clear.
A Wall Street Journal article explains that Best Buy, Circuit City and CompUSA are offering house calls for computer troubleshooting and equipment set-up, at prices starting at $160. The story says, "Companies realize that by getting a foot in the door of shoppers’ homes, they can see what’s there– and suggest more gear to buy." Best Buy calls the initiative its "Geek Squad."
Happy Birthday, retail stores! It was on this day in 2001 that Apple opened their first retail stores in McLean (Virg.) at the Tyson’s Corner mall, and in Glendale (S. Calif.) at the Galleria. Within three years, the 78 stores are generating a profit and Apple is poised to open at least another 30 stores over the next two years. Coincidentally, I’ve created a T-shirt design at Café Shops that you can purchase. The design incorporates quotes from v-p retail Ron Johnson– "More Than a Store."
The AppleInsider Web site reports that Apple is investigating "over two dozen Japan locations" for retail stores. Based on company documents, AppleInsider says Apple has, "up to 27 prospective or secured storefronts, including 6 more in Tokyo and 2 others in Osaka." Some Web sites are picking up the story, and concluding that Apple will actually open 27 stores in Japan– not likely. I forecast Apple will open 3-4 more stores in Tokyo, and perhaps 2-3 stores in other cities beyond Osaka.
In the wake of Apple’s seemingly increased push to open retail stores, I’m hearing rumblings about Canada– perhaps as many as four stores will open, including the ones identified in February by AppleInsider.
An article in the "Gulf News" seems to indicate that Arab Business Machines, a Middle-Eastern regional distributor for Apple Computer, wants to open several Apple Centres in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. The company’s owner says interest in Apple gear in increasing in the Middle East, including from corporate IT departments.
Thank goodness…the escalator leading to the rapid transit underground station at the San Francisco retail store is finally working!
Hustle down to the 3rd Street Promenande retail store in Santa Monica (S. Calif.) at 7 p.m. this Friday to see Nelly Furtado play music from her albums. Actually, better arrive around 4 p.m., since these events are always very crowded.
Thanks to The Professor for visiting The Grove (LA) retail store, and noticing the extensive remodel that is being performed. The store, like other older locations, is being upgraded to stone flooring and wooden furniture, and has one-half of the store (upstairs and downstairs) walled off with plastic sheeting. He notes that the rear portion of the store is being expanded, and that iPods are not on display during the remodel. Check these exclusive photos.
Here are some additional details about the Victoria Gardens shopping center being constructed in Rancho Cucamonga (S. Calif.), where Apple will have a retail store. It’s scheduled to open this fall. Check the site plan map and try to guess which space the Apple store will occupy– they like spaces in the 3,000 to 5,000 square-foot range.