(UK) – The grand opening of the Regent Street (London) retail store didn’t set any new waiting line records, but it did tie the record for enthusiasm and noise from the staff and eager Mac enthusiasts who burst through the entrance at precisely 10 a.m. Just 30 minutes before opening time, there were 1,033 people in line, and 90 minutes later there were still about 900 people waiting to get into the spectacular store, installed in a renovated 1898 building. Neither Steve Jobs nor any entertainment celebrity appeared at the grand opening event. In fact, the event also did not include the traditional shouted question, "Are you ready?" usually posed by the store manager to the waiting crowd. The sun did not make a second-day appearance, and after hitting a low of 36 F. overnight, warm clothing was still a necessity. Check my Regent Street grand opening diary for more details.

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