Apple Retail Stores in Australia? [Archive]

MacRumors

Jan 10, 2005, 08:18 PM

Several sources have informed AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=822) that Apple plans to open at least two of its own retail stores in Australia this year, starting with stores in Sydney and Melbourne.

The Apple Australia event (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/12/20041227214723.shtml) for Apple's business partners on January 12 was rumored to be a possible sign that the iTunes Music Store would open in Australia. Now there is another possibility: retail store announcements.

There are currently Apple retail stores in 29 U.S. states, as well as Tokyo, Osaka, and London.

Capt Underpants

Jan 10, 2005, 08:21 PM

Well congratulations to the Aussie's. I'm sure alot of australians on this board will be happy if this rumor comes true ( like Aswitcher).

technocoy

Jan 10, 2005, 08:22 PM

i really feel good about the next few years for apple. they are making some good moves. if even half of the rumors are true this week (and indicative) this is going to be a very good year for apple!

sjpetry

Jan 10, 2005, 08:25 PM

Now I have a reason to go to Australia and visit my cousins. :D

Devie

Jan 10, 2005, 08:30 PM

I never knew apple where going good enough here to open stores...
Ahwell, woo :D. I hope they build one in Adelaide soon to :D

swissmann

Jan 10, 2005, 08:30 PM

How about retail stores in Utah. Is there a map that shows the locations of current stores?

DPazdanISU

Jan 10, 2005, 08:31 PM

this will definately help apple with mac/ipod sales. It's always good to have a store with personell that know what they are talking about too ;)

Doctor Q

Jan 10, 2005, 08:32 PM

How about retail stores in Utah. Is there a map that shows the locations of current stores?For the U.S....

http://images.apple.com/buy/images/retailmap012104.gif

Hewy01

Jan 10, 2005, 08:43 PM

Wonder Boy

Jan 10, 2005, 08:50 PM

For the U.S....

http://images.apple.com/buy/images/retailmap012104.gif

we need a third on connecticut. im sick of going over the river. that 15 minute drive kills me. there's a ritzy outside mall 3 minutes away from me that would be PERFECT for a mini apple store.

im kidding about the 15 minute drive killing me, but im serious about the mini store. it would fit in nicely.

k28

Jan 10, 2005, 08:59 PM

where is it going to be? I think it passiblely locate at world tower. What do you think?

bennyek

Jan 10, 2005, 08:59 PM

How about retail stores in Utah. Is there a map that shows the locations of current stores?

Apple plans on opening a store in Salt Lake city at the GAteway center downtown ibn a few months. (Spring or Summer)

Jedda

Jan 10, 2005, 08:59 PM

Wowsers.

I would kill to get a job at the melbourne apple store.

Absolutely kill.

virividox

Jan 10, 2005, 09:04 PM

open one in HONG KONG!!!

Frozone

Jan 10, 2005, 09:06 PM

Where is the announcment for the Mini in Tallahassee, Florida. Please Apple! PLEASE put a mini in Tally. All the mac placs in South Georgia and North Florida sucks.

h'biki

Jan 10, 2005, 09:07 PM

The Apple Australia event (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/12/20041227214723.shtml) for Apple's business partners on January 12 was rumored to be a possible sign that the iTunes Music Store would open in Australia. Now there is another possibility: retail store announcements.

Apple Stores in Australia isn't a possibility - it's a fact. Apple has been squeezing the life out of the resellers here over the last year. "Sell more product, or we charge you more for it".

Incidentally, PayPal is now available in Australian dollars. It may be sheer coincidence, but it does lend weight to the idea that iTMS will be available in Australia.

Disko

Jan 10, 2005, 09:08 PM

Isn't it annoying when you're half way through breaking a story when appleinsider scoop you. :)

http://www.appletalk.com.au/

cazlar

Jan 10, 2005, 09:08 PM

I hope it's true. I think a good spot would be somewhere on Pitt Street, would get lots of traffic there, but I'm not sure how big the floorspace would need to be. Maybe they could kick Swatch out of their prime spot on the corner :-)

urbangrind

Jan 10, 2005, 09:10 PM

I'm sure the Apple store in Sydney will improve sales and help promote the brand. Apple in Australia need to seriously improve some other aspects of their business however.

Most of the resellers in Sydney for Apple have atrocious service - especially when it comes to repairs and support (even simple stuff takes forever and costs a fortune). The dorks wearing headsets at the Apple stores could dearly use some customer service training.

It is a good thing that Apple's products kick-butt in the quality and reliability stakes because if we had to deal with these turkeys on a more regular basis it would drive us nuts.

I agree! Here in Brisbane the service is shocking. I would convert about 10 people to macs a year, and I have to take them to Apple shops and do the sell myself, otherwise some other twit will screw it up.

I am concerned that this Apple Australia event might not me iTunes music store, but I would be happy to see the new retail stores. I hope Apple puts one in Brisbane. Then we wouldn't need to go to any of these other shops that don't deserve our business.

To be fair though: Apple New Farm is ok, if you can be served by Lucile, otherwise The Music Lab is where I like to take people if we already know what we want, otherwise they basically sell music products and macs as a side thing.

Apple Australia does need a shake up.

walexx

Jan 10, 2005, 09:28 PM

devman

Jan 10, 2005, 09:30 PM

(sadly) this is much more believable than ITMS for Australia (please, please can't we have both :-)

I hope a Melbourne store is announced at the same time rather than just soul-less Sydney ;-)

restless~native

Jan 10, 2005, 09:37 PM

Apple plans on opening a store in Salt Lake city at the GAteway center downtown ibn a few months. (Spring or Summer)

If this is true, I'll be sooo happy that I might cut my hair and go back to church. :D

If not, I'll continue my downward spiral, sipping Chai at the Liberty Park Beans & Brew on the Sabbath while reading the City Weekly.

oingoboingo

Jan 10, 2005, 09:49 PM

Ive always said an Apple Store in the city would be awesome. I think the perfect location would be Victorias Galleries. It has that elegant Apple feel about it. If only Freedom where not there, that would be the perfect spot.

Otherwise Pitt Street Mall is definately the prime spot. I hear there will be alot of work going on there with the redevelopment of Centrepoint and some towers going up, so who knows.

All you Sydney siders, where do you think would be the perfect Apple Store location ??.

Westfield Parramatta! Macquarie Centre! Marrickville Metro!

Actually I think the best location would be the approximately bathroom-sized Apple dealer on the Randwick UNSW campus. I don't think I've ever seen a smaller computer shop. 2 customers and it's full.

Errr...seriously for a second, yeah Pitt Street Mall would be good simply because of the huge pedestrian throughput.

Abstract

Jan 10, 2005, 09:49 PM

I don't know Sydney too well, but anywhere near Pitt St would be good. If they're going to put it in a shopping mall, Westfield is quite fancy shmancy.

If they put it in Wollongong, I'd be ********** shocked. :p

MAC1 has horrible service. I think they work on commission and would tell you anything to sell you something. There's only 1 real Apple reseller in the 'Gong, and I go in there regularly enough that 2 of the full-timers will recognize me and always try to help me, since I'm familiar with them. Problem is that I think they're complete morons, and I know more about their product than they do. That's a problem not only to other customers, but because I don't know too much about Macs when I look at some of you guys.

I look ace when I talk to them. :p

Rod Rod

Jan 10, 2005, 10:17 PM

I'm guessing King's Cross in Sydney. It's just slightly more likely than Wollongong, or Penrith even. Speaking of Penrith, Apple's a little late to take over main sponsorship of the Panthers, but maybe they'd like to do that for Wests Tigers soon.

zulgand04

Jan 10, 2005, 10:23 PM

we need a third on connecticut. im sick of going over the river. that 15 minute drive kills me. there's a ritzy outside mall 3 minutes away from me that would be PERFECT for a mini apple store.

im kidding about the 15 minute drive killing me, but im serious about the mini store. it would fit in nicely.

lol i would't mind a third in CT closer to New Haven ;) , but i do enjoy haveing a reason to go to westfarms mall.

~Shard~

Jan 10, 2005, 10:28 PM

Great news for Australia! I think the most sensible locations would be Darwin, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy... :p ;) :cool:

uncyherb

Jan 10, 2005, 10:36 PM

I'd like to see the Melbourne one opened up in the new QV building off swanston street.

As for Sydney... like I care where it is... 8 hours drive beats that 15 minutes by a fair margin!

feeze

Jan 10, 2005, 10:48 PM

I'm guessing King's Cross in Sydney ...

Lol, buy an iMac and get a free iMassage ;) :eek:

edit: typo

feeze

Jan 10, 2005, 10:50 PM

Actually I think the best location would be the approximately bathroom-sized Apple dealer on the Randwick UNSW campus. I don't think I've ever seen a smaller computer shop. 2 customers and it's full.

I've walked past that several times but never gone in. Is there actually much for sale in there? Might have to check it out.

hmg

Jan 10, 2005, 11:07 PM

or one of the QVB ends, the whole end 3 floors tall! ooooohhhh yyeeaaahh..

Ive always said an Apple Store in the city would be awesome. I think the perfect location would be Victorias Galleries. It has that elegant Apple feel about it. If only Freedom where not there, that would be the perfect spot.

Otherwise Pitt Street Mall is definately the prime spot. I hear there will be alot of work going on there with the redevelopment of Centrepoint and some towers going up, so who knows.

All you Sydney siders, where do you think would be the perfect Apple Store location ??.

walexx

Jan 10, 2005, 11:10 PM

Oh Yes QVB. That would be absolutely perfect especially with all those levels. The place needs an injection of life and Apple would be the perfect tenant.

Well I think I need to go buy me a sleeping bag, its gonna be a long night waiting for the opening. I want one of those mystery bags they sell to the first 200 people.

dnnx

Jan 10, 2005, 11:16 PM

Nice!!!
Hopefully, it does get announced this week, I am currently holding a call contract expiring this month, this will be a icing on the cake :D

Bern

Jan 10, 2005, 11:41 PM

I say Apple should take residence in the Broadway location and get rid of the nasty, arrogant people working there. They have to be the worst AppleCentre in Sydney.

Hopefully this all true and the fact the Paypal have just announced they now have Aussie Dollars available may mean ITMS Australia is just around the corner.

Abstract

Jan 10, 2005, 11:44 PM

Never thought of QVB as a contender. Wanna know why? It definitely has the looks, but not the "right" look. Also, there isn't enough space for Apple (when compared to some of the other behemoths), even if they took over two stores on each of the 3 floors and built stairs. Plus, glass stairs and aluminium won't match the look of the atrium at all.

tizza

Jan 10, 2005, 11:50 PM

tizza

Jan 10, 2005, 11:53 PM

So what happened to Brisbane hey?! :) Anyway I can handle missing out on a local Apple store if we JUST GET iTMS!!! - What is going on Australia Music Execs???!!!

starwxrwx

Jan 10, 2005, 11:56 PM

imagine the apple store immediately opposite the entrance to the david jones elizabeth st cosmetic department... the only question would be where to go into first? *drool*

i really hope Apple stores will boost the standard of resellers around the country - or drive them out of business... no seriously, i'd rather heaps of decent apple stores than the bad service and crapply deals currently on offer. you just can't be complancent if you want to stay in the service industry; no excuses.

risc

Jan 11, 2005, 12:12 AM

A Mac store in Melbourne would be fantastic, no disrepsect to most of the resellers here but damn upgrade your stock and stop trying to sell the old iMac G4 for more than the price of the G5.

cemil

Jan 11, 2005, 12:13 AM

or one of the QVB ends, the whole end 3 floors tall! ooooohhhh yyeeaaahh..

I love it. Just imagine - forget the Christmas Tree, just a HUGE display. Now, back to reality - I think Pitt St would probably be the best place.

-Cemil

oingoboingo

Jan 11, 2005, 12:20 AM

I've walked past that several times but never gone in. Is there actually much for sale in there? Might have to check it out.

Yeah there is a little bit of stock. Mostly smallish accessories like iPod cases, notebook sleeves/bags, external FireWire drives...that sort of thing. They don't really seem to have any computers of any sort, except the ones which are awaiting pickup by the people who ordered them. I think that's their main business, ie: acting as a face-to-face place for UNSW staff and student to order Macs, rather than a full-on retail outlet.

Still...if you're on campus and you need some little Apple-related accessory, they might have it. Just don't expect to go in there an play with the new 30" cinema displays hooked up to a dual G5 or anything like that :)

oingoboingo

Jan 11, 2005, 12:32 AM

I say Apple should take residence in the Broadway location and get rid of the nasty, arrogant people working there. They have to be the worst AppleCentre in Sydney.

Yeah, not my favourite dealer in Sydney, although the past few times I have bought something from there (a car charger for my iPod and a copy of Call of Duty:United Offensive) one of the younger staff members have served me and they have been very pleasant and friendly (and even bothered to ask if I already owned the original Call of Duty just in case I didn't see the system requirements. Nice work).

I've bought things and had things repaired at various times from AppleCentre Broadway, Chatswood, Taylor Square and the NextByte CBD store. I can't honestly say that I have ever received a consistent level of service from any of them. Sometimes you get a really friendly helpful person, the next time they can barely be bothered to snarl at you and take you money. I don't know if Apple-owned stores will be any different though.

dhaveconfig

Jan 11, 2005, 12:52 AM

Westfield Parramatta! Macquarie Centre! Marrickville Metro!

Actually I think the best location would be the approximately bathroom-sized Apple dealer on the Randwick UNSW campus. I don't think I've ever seen a smaller computer shop. 2 customers and it's full.

And who exactly will get shafted by these proposed Apple Stores?

people like that self same Apple dealer.

That store has made Apple a fair bit of cash over the years... in the difficult times too.

I'm of two minds about these stores. Yes, it will be good to get rid of some of the terrible Apple dealers, however I'm not sure it will be wonderful for the long term health of the platform in a small market like Australia.

The other thing to note is that the profits from the Apple Stores go back to Apple US, not to Apple Australia. This could be bad.

The QVB is a bad idea I think. Apple need to shed their 'high end' image in a lot of ways. Westfield Parramatta could be an excellent idea.

oingoboingo

Jan 11, 2005, 01:00 AM

That store has made Apple a fair bit of cash over the years... in the difficult times too.

Yes, and I've helped them out by buying various bits and pieces from there since I've started working on the UNSW campus. In case you didn't notice, I was joking about unimac being a good location for a new Apple Store ;)

You are right though...based on what has happened to independent resellers in the U.S., the arrival of AppleStores in Australia will definitely cause a shakeup, and not everyone in dealer-land will be happy at the end of it all. It remains to be seen if Apple is looking at only a few stores in major cities, or more blanket coverage (or if this whole thing is nothing more than a rumour).

dhaveconfig

Jan 11, 2005, 01:15 AM

No, I realised you were joking.. :)

That must be one of the smallest Apple shops in the world I reckon.. :D

We've got some bloody awful dealers around though.

Nothing I hate more than getting attitude from some goddamned whippersnapper at an Apple Store.

If my experience at the San Fran Apple Store is anything to go by, it will be a huge shakeup... but in general Americans seem to have a better handle on customer service than Aussies, so maybe not ...

McMakMac

Jan 11, 2005, 01:19 AM

open one in HONG KONG!!!

ditto to THAT!

Graeme A

Jan 11, 2005, 02:24 AM

To see proper Apple stores in either Melbourne or Sydney would be a great thing as I switched and did most of my shopping exclusively in Apple Stores in the US.

The only down side to having had this experience is, you expect a certain level of service which I have not yet seen in Australia. Not to mention the fact that the price difference between the US and Oz are SHOCKING!

Great news on the fact that we will get more choice than Flinders St store which was downright shocking... trying to sell OLD stuff and at such a high price.

Let's hope that they get a Genius Bar in there too as I need some more rubber feet for my PB 17" again.

MyLeftNut

Jan 11, 2005, 02:25 AM

You know I was on the train the other day (In Melbourne) and I overheard some girl talking to her friend saying that she bought and iPod for her boyfriend but wanted to buy something else for it but didnt know what to get him...I was thinking, 'bugger, there's an iTunes store certificate sold right there, if only we had a store...'

We'll whaddya know! I reckon the building in the QV complex that currently houses the company known as Senseless ooops sorry, Sensis Would be perfect as a multistorey shopping experience. It would not be disimilar to Tokyo.

I hope this is true. Finally I can brag to my PC using idiot friends and they can see the true power of this fully operational battlesta....ahemmm...yeah.

urbangrind

Jan 11, 2005, 02:43 AM

The other thing to note is that the profits from the Apple Stores go back to Apple US, not to Apple Australia. This could be bad.

This is a good point. Apple Australia can have my money, but they need to pick up their act. I like someone else have had the experience of knowing a lot more than the sales person. A few of us (who are already in business of some sort) have been so disappointed that we have discussed the idea of setting up a new shop. It is like an insult to go into an Apple shop and find someone that doesn't seem to give a ****. If Apple US, weren't making enough money from Apple Australia it is simply a Human Relations problem.

urbangrind

Jan 11, 2005, 02:45 AM

I hope this is true. Finally I can brag to my PC using idiot friends and they can see the true power of this fully operational battlesta....ahemmm...yeah.

Very Funny! I hear ya buddy!

erratic

Jan 11, 2005, 02:54 AM

I agree! Here in Brisbane the service is shocking. I would convert about 10 people to macs a year, and I have to take them to Apple shops and do the sell myself, otherwise some other twit will screw it up.

To be fair though: Apple New Farm is ok, if you can be served by Lucile

Agreed. the New Farm one is OK, plus the free wifi provided by Vroom virtually next door is a nice little bonus. Still, Apple gear in .au is priced at an insane level.

otherwise The Music Lab is where I like to take people if we already know what we want, otherwise they basically sell music products and macs as a side thing.

Yes? I've not heard of the Music Lab. Where is it?

OziMac

Jan 11, 2005, 03:16 AM

Heaps of perfect places in Melbourne: QV, Melbourne Central, Federation Sqaure, GPO - all brand new retail locations that are very modern and artistically designed, ie perfect for an Apple Store.

sluthy

Jan 11, 2005, 03:21 AM

New retail stores instead of iTMS: :(
New retail stores AND iTMS: :D

urbangrind

Jan 11, 2005, 03:26 AM

Dear Erratic,

Musiclab is at 34 Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. The man to see is Warrick, but be sure to let him know that Morgan from Urban Grind sent you. Most of their displays revolve around music but if you know what you want Warrick deserves your business! He has always tried to find the best option for me, even if it means MusicLab going without the money - that is hard to find these days. www.musiclab.com.au

Xtremehkr

Jan 11, 2005, 04:36 AM

matthutch

Jan 11, 2005, 05:01 AM

open one in HONG KONG!!!

the designer group - 12th floor windsor house. I buy a lot of my stuff there, and i find them good to deal with, and they are very good dealing with repairs.

However a bigger apple presence in HK would always be good.

Would love to see some down here in australia though, would be nice to get some more people down here working for apple who know what they are doing.

I work at a reseller and i find it amazing that some of the people who work at resellers - where i work, and others - can keep their jobs.

Mind you i still want ITMS australia though, i want it really really bad.

hokka

Jan 11, 2005, 05:15 AM

Out where the river broke
The bloodwood and the desert oak
Holden wrecks and boiling diesels
Steam in forty five degrees
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share

The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back

How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
Four wheels scare the cockatoos
From Kintore East to Yuendemu
The western desert lives and breathes
In forty five degrees

Complete Midight Oil catalogue to come?

I hope not, that bald guy always bugged me.

You do know that "bold buy"(Peter Garrett)**
is a politician now, but a tons better than the Bush you Yanks know:

http://www.google.com/search?q=bush's+funny+quotes&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

what you don't get from the songs are called Slang, and what you don't understand from ur Bush is because he's an idiot.

I hope never have to hear Bush's catalogue... thank god I'm no American

ASP272

Jan 11, 2005, 05:55 AM

COOL BEANS! The more the merrier.

748s

Jan 11, 2005, 06:11 AM

imagine the apple store immediately opposite the entrance to the david jones elizabeth st cosmetic department... the only question would be where to go into first? *drool*

i don't use the cosmetic section. DJ's are my apple store. most of the salespeople don't know anything about apple BUT they listen to you and get it right the first time. (i tried to buy a g5 and a 23" from a 'reseller'. it was like pulling teeth.) plus they have the 24 month interest free deals at regular intervals. after the cosmetics cross the street to the market street store for a good apple reseller.

And who exactly will get shafted by these proposed Apple Stores?

people like that self same Apple dealer.

That store has made Apple a fair bit of cash over the years... in the difficult times too.

I'm of two minds about these stores. Yes, it will be good to get rid of some of the terrible Apple dealers, however I'm not sure it will be wonderful for the long term health of the platform in a small market like Australia.

The other thing to note is that the profits from the Apple Stores go back to Apple US, not to Apple Australia. This could be bad.

they have had plenty of time. some of the worst win awards for best apple dealer of the year (a large chain of resellers). the bulk of the dollars go back to the usa anyway. the local resellers do put something into the local economy but at what cost? driving away potential customers while maintaing a base who will put up with anything. i'm hoping, if apple stores appear, they are not in partnership with that 'large reseller chain'. they will simply just ******* it up.

yinyang

Jan 11, 2005, 06:37 AM

if the apple stores do open i'm sure they will shake up the existing bunch of resellers, though there are no doubt a few that do offer both excellent service and good prices to those that know where to look. any that want to survive will probably just maintain an online prescence and just try and compete with apple on price, though with the apple's new price matching policy that will still be tough. but if customers and resellers build up decent relationships why not shop at the store but buy from reseller x?

anyway i just hope that apple can improve the general level of serivce as as reult of this so that staff at ALL apple stores (resellers, store in stores, etc) know what they are talking about.

if any of you are interested in applying for jobs, here was an interesting piece about how much they earn in the US....

http://www.thinksecret.com/news/retailpaystaffing.html

weev

Jan 11, 2005, 07:34 AM

Apple stores in sydney - welcome!

Hopefully get rid of those sleezarse stores in taylor square and that crap one in Warringah Mall.

Will luck they will burn and die!

rock the real Apple !

devman

Jan 11, 2005, 09:15 AM

i don't use the cosmetic section. DJ's are my apple store. most of the salespeople don't know anything about apple BUT they listen to you and get it right the first time. (i tried to buy a g5 and a 23" from a 'reseller'. it was like pulling teeth.) plus they have the 24 month interest free deals at regular intervals. after the cosmetics cross the street to the market street store for a good apple reseller.

Yep! There is also an Apple person that works there - Charlie. I've put about 10 Macs through Charlie at DJs, multiple iPods, airports, cinema display, etc. etc. He's excellent.

coolfactor

Jan 11, 2005, 09:34 AM

Incidentally, PayPal is now available in Australian dollars. It may be sheer coincidence, but it does lend weight to the idea that iTMS will be available in Australia.

If that were true, we'd have PayPal for iTMS Canada, yet we don't, nor do any of the other countries with iTMS.

uncyherb

Jan 11, 2005, 10:22 PM

With only a few minutes to go until the press/business partner launch in Sydney... the cat seems to be out of the bag on iTMS Australia...

And the answer seems to be yes according to the Japanese Apple web site:

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=/language_tools&u=http://www.apple.com/jp/ipodshuffle/shuffle.html

A google translation of the new iPod Shuffle shows the store as being in Australia!!!

Yayy!!!!