Apple’s legendary retail store policy of allowing visitors to wander into a store without any acknowledgment by the staff may be over. The company has posted the job position of Concierge for about 90 of its retail stores. In the job description just posted Apple says that, “The real secret behind the success of the fastest-growing retail chain in history is our commitment to the customer.” The company is already known for “legendary service,” the description says, “and now we are extending that experience with the Apple Store Concierge.” Among the job tasks listed are, “Verbally embraces the customer with a five-star welcome and a fond farewell,” and “Can orchestrate the store adventure in the best possible way.” A Concierge will also be someone who, “Understands customer needs and connects them to the right person at the right time,” and “Provides every customer with a superior customer experience.” Apple is looking for candidates who, “exude warmth, energy and charisma, you love meeting new people, you inspire them, you thrive on the unexpected.” Further, “You get people, and people get you, you have a passion for customer service, you have a passion for Apple products.” Lastly, and perhaps oddly, the perfect candidate is described as, “You nurture all budding technology crushes and lifelong Apple love affairs.” There seems to be no pattern to which stores have the Concierge job listing: in New York City the SoHo and Fifth Avenue stores are listed under “future openings,” but the as-yet unopened 14th Street store is listed under “current openings.” [ job description ]
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This is probably more of a vailed loss prevention tactic. As a former Apple Store employee, I knew that when customers are acknowledged, those who are there to shoplift are less likely to do so since we have acknowledged their presence.
Exactly.
Wal-Mart greeters more than pay for their salary by the reduction in store losses. By a lot actually.
This is a general retail phenomena [ http://tinyurl.com/yuojm9 ] but hopefully it will start to solve some of the “I’m ignored by snooty Apple Geniuses” complaints.
As a current Apple retail employee we actually do usually have someone at the door to welcome customers and say goodbye when they depart. Sometimes when it gets busy that might not happen consistently but we do try. I’m not sure about what this is talking about unless it is someone who never leaves the door ever.
At The Grove I very seldom get more than 5 feet inside the store without someone greeting me. At the Beverly Center it’s probably 75 to 80 percent. Third St Promenade is much more layed back and busy and thus it is probabdly 50 percent
The reason its a current posting at new stores is that there’s actually going to be a Concierge station at the front of the store that will double as the only cash POS when they try to go all-EZPay. The older stores don’t necessarily have the concierge station built, especially the 30′ stores where the POS is at the back.
This position is for the holiday season. The greater only position should dissapear around the second week in January.
Everyone is wrong. This position has nothing to do with being a greeter. It is designed to eliminate confusion by customers as to where to check out and where to get help in the busy stores. There will be a desk located near the Genius Bar and Studio areas. This person will help direct people around the store. They will have a team of people that will also handle phone calls as well.
The Apple Employee is correct. Their job is to make sure the customer has a wonderful/quick time at the store, especially during this coming holiday season.
Adding to what The Apple Employee said… The Concierge Position will not be based only for the Holiday. Concierges will be working as Concierges every time now. Probably, concierges will be taking turns to act as Specialists too.
How much does this position pay…I was applying for the Creative Position and then was offered a position as Concierge…what is the diffrence in pay and benefits?