There’s at least one financial optimist about the retail stores: the investment firm Piper Jaffray & Co. has issued an update on Apple Computer, classifying its stock as "outperform." The company advised its clients that Wall Street investors are, "underestimating the power of Apple’s retail strategy," which includes attracting new customers through attractive storefronts in high-traffic areas, and retaining existing customers through the Genius Bars.

No related stories