Email Reveals Paris Plans

According to the France-based Web site MacGeneration, Apple V-P Europe Pascal Cagni has sent e-mail to authorized resellers outlining new contract conditions effective Oct. 30th that seem to set the stage for Apple’s own retail stores in the country. Essentially, Apple will no longer license the term “Apple Center,” but would call them “Premium Providers.” In addition, the use of the word “Apple” or “Mac” will be nearly eliminated for resellers, and a look-alike interior design isn’t required (or perhaps permitted). MacGeneration also states Apple has near-term plans for a store in the Opera district of the city, just north of the Champs Elysees, and home to the large Printemps department store. Plans for a store along the Champs Elysees itself have been known for almost two years. A International Herald Tribune story suggests French politics may delay a Champs Elysees store, while the HardMac site has details on the actual e-mail.