Apple Retail Stores Revamp for Holidays

Associated Press via MyWay.com ^ | November 24, 2007 | May Wong

[RayChuang88]

LOS GATOS, Calif. (AP) - Not a cash register is in sight. The electronics on display are all powered up and ready for use. Personal trainers, specialists and newly minted concierges in aqua blue shirts make the Apple Store feel part salon, part Internet cafe - just without the espresso.

Over the past year, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has revamped its 201 stores, changing the layout, adding services and increasing its staffing. The "concierge" service that Apple launched last week is only the latest initiative designed to draw more visitors and bolster already record-breaking sales.

"Apple indeed does things differently from the rest of the retail gang," said Kurt Barnard, president of the Barnard Retail Consulting Group.

[RayChuang88]

The biggest change to the Apple Store is the fact there are no cash registers anywhere in the store--store employees carry special small handheld computers that does the payment directly from that scanner and you can either get your receipt emailed to you or have it printed out at the store. When I bought my current 3G iPod nano (8 GB) at the Apple Store in Sacramento, CA, they had already had that system in place for a number of months.

[escapefromboston]

Man, I hate the Apple store but they must be doing something right because everytime I go in there its packed (and I try to go in the middle of the day when normal people are working)

[lesser_satan]

ping

[goldstategop]

I've been to an Apple store. They restored my trashed Mac Mini at no charge.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Blue Highway]

The electronics on display are all powered up and ready for use. Personal trainers, specialists and newly minted concierges in aqua blue shirts make the Apple Store feel part salon, part Internet cafe - just without the espresso.

No thanks. This is one of the things that turns me off of Apple, their image and demographics. Might as well put a tip jar in there like $$$tarbucks$$$. Same annoying trendy crowd.

[BunnySlippers]

Apple stores are at the very high end of retailing for sales per square foot. They are a retailing success story.

Yes, the last two purchases I have made there were without a cash register. The receipt comes right to my laptop which I had there in the store at the time.

My store is remodeled but haven’t checked it out yet. Can’t wait!

[BunnySlippers]

They gave me new ear buds for my Nano for no charge even though they are $24.00 to replace.

[MediaMole]

Where do the clerks keep the change? ...or is cash no longer accepted? (They no longer accept cash for iPhones.)

[thefactor]

my girlfriend just HAS to have the iPhone. so we have to change from verizon to AT&T. big pain in the butt. but last night i used my friends iPhone.

now i want one just as much as my girl. it's the single most amazing thing i have ever used. i used FR just like i would on my full size computer. it looks just like the real page. it IS the real page!

so i'm sold. we're each going to get one. and the family plans are reasonably priced. and it includes unlimited net surfing.

not sure how this turned into an apple love-fest. sorry.

the apple stores i have gone into are pretty efficient. crowded though.

[BunnySlippers]

No thanks. This is one of the things that turns me off of Apple, their image and demographics. Might as well put a tip jar in there like $$$tarbucks$$$. Same annoying trendy crowd.

Well, I suppose ti depends. I have 5 Macs so I've been buying long before they had stores.

Also, I like Starbucks all the time although I buy a "coffee of the day" which is simply a cup of brewed coffee which most detractors are too stupid to order.

I like having a computer thart works seemlessly and easily without hassle. I'm sure you're doing well on Vista but most aren't. I've got great computers, terrific support and a good cup of brewed coffee.

[jimtorr]

I find my local Apple store annoying. The staff is very friendly and helpful, but I never know which counter to go to for help. I like going to the local CompUSA more. There is usually a very helpful Apple staff member there, as well.

[the invisib1e hand]

Man, I hate the Apple store but they must be doing something right because everytime I go in there its packed (and I try to go in the middle of the day when normal people are working)

It's not a business, it's a religion.

[tubebender]

And your against religion why...

[aruanan]

It's not a business, it's a religion.

It's funny, but the anti-Mac crowd is as predictable and unimaginative as Richard Dawkins.

[Blue Highway]

Dang it, I was planning on buying an iPhone with change even.

[the invisib1e hand]

anti-Mac

well, now. where from my comment do you discern that this characterization is accurate?

I'm a fan of great technology. I can sure do without the groupies and their smartass remarks, however.

[Poison Pill]

“Not a cash register is in sight”

What if you want to pay with cash?

[garyhope]

“It’s not a business, it’s a religion.”

Yes, and a smug, condescending one at that. That said, the products and stores are very well designed and I understand their popularity. Probably some of the best industrial design in the world right now.

I’ve even though of buying a Macbook for my next laptop so I can use 2 OS’s for different things.

[Blue Highway]

The only thing I would ever buy is their regular coffee, and even that is overpriced. The last year the only thing I get from Starbucks are their FREE used coffee grounds.

[Mark was here]

I was Freeping on my Treo long before the iphone came out.