Apple Shows New Mini-Stores

[jimsowden]

Apple today announced that they will open 6 new mini retail stores this 16th. They will be in:
Palo Alto, CA;
San Jose, CA;
Santa Rosa, CA;
Tukwila, WA;
Bridgewater, NJ;
Rockaway, NJ.

Pictures and Article on AppleInsider (http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=693)

With the new, even better styling, and the availability to put them almost anywhere there is need, I think these will be a hit!

[Peyote]

No PM G5's?


Very nicely designed environment.

[im_noahselby]

I think it's very dissapointing to have an official Apple Store and not have any PM's or cinema displays on display. Do they even sell PM's? I understand that Apple is all about simplicity and elegance, but in my oppinion there is a lot of wasted floor space in their new mini retail locations. I don't know, it's just a few thoughts I had...

Noah

[runplaysleeprun]

they look a little..... to clean cut. I would be semi-aprehensive from entering one if it were empty like the first picture. it would be like walking into a futuristic dentist's office...
also, seems to be a lot of wasted floor space in the middle. maybe a partioned rack (a mini-version of those in current apple stores) with select software?

[im_noahselby]

they look a little..... to clean cut. I would be semi-aprehensive from entering one if it were empty like the first picture. it would be like walking into a futuristic dentist's office...
also, seems to be a lot of wasted floor space in the middle. maybe a partioned rack (a mini-version of those in current apple stores) with select software?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way...

Noah

[Whigga Spitta]

How are they going to sell anything with out a cash register?

[dethl]

Maybe New Mexico will finally get an Apple Store! Even if it is just a mini retail store, it would be better than nothing.

[MacRumors]

AppleInsider reports (http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=693) that Apple unveiled the next step in its retail store strategy today. The new 'mini' stores are an all-new design featuring stainless steel walls and seamless white floors and ceilings. The mini store is half the size of Apple's smallest store to date.

The first six mini stores will open this Saturday at 10 a.m. in Palo Alto, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Tukwila, WA; Bridgewater, NJ; and Rockaway, NJ. These are to be additions to the 84 existing Apple retails stores around the United States, bringing the total of retail stores to 93 as of this coming weekend.

The new stores will feature a full line of iPods, laptops and the iMac G5 desktop. In addition, the stores will offer third party products, on-site repair on all Apple products, and a miniature Mac Genius Bar.

Since the opening of the first Apple retail store in May 2001, Apple retail stores have attracted almost 50 million visitors and recently generated revenues of almost $1.2 billion in the company's 2004 fiscal year.

[mrdhammer]

Yes, but will they be staffed by midgets?

[MattG]

STOP! ENOUGH STORES IN CALIFORNIA!

The nearest one to me is like 2+ hours away. California has like 30 stores now!!! Put some stores in other places, Apple!!

[BornAgainMac]

Lots of California stores. You would think Apple has a 50% marketshare over there.

[cslewis]

Ah, I like it. Very simple, smooth, and compact. Just like Apple computers! I think the resmblance is more than a design coinsidence...

[coumerelli]

I wonder what the markets will be? I'd LOVE to see one here in Madison, WI! Are these supposed to go where the larger stores would not reach? I can't believe that entirely as there is yet ANOTHER store in Palo Alto, now. :rolleyes:

[CTerry]

As a Brit I can see this coming in handy as Apple expands internationally. One of these in me local PC World would be a godsend.

[ijimk]

AWESOME! More apple store means one might have a shot of being closer to where i live. Right now closest is 20-25 mins away. GO apple!! :D Bring more to MARYLAND APPLE!

[AoWolf]

Sweet one in Daytona beach please.

[jholzner]

I can't believe they won't be carrying eMacs at these mini stores!

[cslewis]

I can't believe they won't be carrying eMacs at these mini stores!

Or PowerMacs. Or Displays.

[AoWolf]

I can't believe they won't be carrying eMacs at these mini stores! Great point they could lose one or two of the minis and put one in.

[zakee00]

you guys should feel LUCKY to be 25mins away from the closest apple store. i'm about 3 hours away, and thats on a PLANE. yeah, i live in alaska. and WTH is up with all of the stores in CA?!?!? i think they should expand and build an apple store in anchorage :)

[Calvinatir]

They put Apple stores where the money is!! lol

[Brian Haworth]

Goddammit.
I've been waiting on that Santa Rosa apple store for 9 months, and they open when I'm out of town.

[timnosenzo]

Great idea, Apple! :)

[Lancetx]

STOP! ENOUGH STORES IN CALIFORNIA!


I agree! At least no more until every other major U.S. metro area with a population of over one million has one first anyway. They are getting better about it with the ones that have opened recently and are planned, but they pretty well have California saturated now I do believe.

[hotwire132002]

Those new stores look awesome. Even better than the current ones, in my opinion. I just wish, like everyone else, that they'd put one near me--nearest Apple store for me is ~4 hours. :(

[Ugg]

YES!!!!! Finally a store in Santa Rosa! Now it's only four hours to the nearest store. Ok, so before the closest was in San Rafael and was five hours away but hey, an hour's an hour.

[coolfactor]

STOP! ENOUGH STORES IN CALIFORNIA!

The nearest one to me is like 2+ hours away. California has like 30 stores now!!! Put some stores in other places, Apple!!


Well, somebody is being a bit selfish. You realize that greed and selfishness don't bring anything positive to the world.

Anyway, count your blessings. I'm in Canada on an Island. There's no hope of getting an Apple Store here (for years).

[hotwire132002]

How are they going to sell anything with out a cash register?

I would guess it's in the Genius Bar mini, hidden behind the counter... Though I could be wrong. Anyone near one of these stores--tell us how they are when they open! (And where the cash register is :) )

[Dr. Dastardly]

They are spiffy looking but they look almost exactly like the ones they have in malls now. Like up here in Washington the Apple store in Bellevue Square is almost exactly what they show in the pictures.

I for one would love them to build a 7 story Apple store in Redmond. :D

[yoda13]

These are cool, hopefully some more in TX. Houston needs another or two and I believe that San Antonio doesn't have any, though I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. Also one in the valley and one in El Paso would be nice as well. Oh well, they will be probably put several more in Dallas and Austin :rolleyes:

[Mr. Anderson]

too bad they won't franchise these mini stores....I'd set one up close to home :D

Looking forward to seeing one eventually - but none of them are near me....

D

[Mudbug]

I'd happily open one up here, staff it, and run it to their specs. Closest for me is 3+ hours away. :rolleyes:

[MattG]

Well, somebody is being a bit selfish. You realize that greed and selfishness don't bring anything positive to the world.

Anyway, count your blessings. I'm in Canada on an Island. There's no hope of getting an Apple Store here (for years).I'm not selfish--California is selfish! ;)

[MacFan782040]

YAY ROCKAWAY!!!!

[JasonElise1983]

I wish they would bring some kind of Apple store to Arkansas. There is only one place in all of Arkansas that sells macs and that is the one CompUSA we have in the state. I see where people get the idea we are all backwoods hick...it's from there being nothing here! Come on apple, i don't want to drive to Memphis or Dallas to come to a store. I just want to drive down the street to do that.

[Abstract]

Good idea if you're opening stores in a mall, but why a mini-store? Why not just a full-blown store in a mall? They could make smaller stores and still call them Apple Stores without adding the "mini" bit into the name.

Also, the stores look goooood.

[nospleen]

These are cool, hopefully some more in TX. Houston needs another or two and I believe that San Antonio doesn't have any, though I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. Also one in the valley and one in El Paso would be nice as well. Oh well, they will be probably put several more in Dallas and Austin :rolleyes:

None here in San Antonio, I made the roady to Austin for my new imac. Is the one in Houston in the Galleria? I am going to Houston next Thursday on busines, so I would not mind a little excursion. :D

[AoWolf]

They are spiffy looking but they look almost exactly like the ones they have in malls now. Like up here in Washington the Apple store in Bellevue Square is almost exactly what they show in the pictures.

I for one would love them to build a 7 story Apple store in Redmond. :D

Well I think Bellevue Square has about the same effect. Think of it this way most of Microsoft guys live in Bellevue. And there wife's shop at bellevue square so when they come home with the iPod just think of the look on there husbands faces.

[tech4all]

The first six mini stores will open this Saturday at 10 a.m. in Palo Alto, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Tukwila, WA; Bridgewater, NJ; and Rockaway, NJ.

Hmmm I don't know why they put them in Palo Alto and San Jose. Both cities already have Apple Stores. :confused: I've driven past the on in Palo Alto and been in the San Jose one many times.

[Sayhey]

The great thing about these stores is that they give Apple a range of options in expanding their retail outlets. Most importantly, it means that Apple may well expand into smaller markets that it would be hard to turn a profit in with a larger store.

[narco]

I live in California, roughly 30 minutes from a few Apple stores and every time I go to one they're PACKED. I mean, this is Hollywood where there are tons of film students, musicians -- and then there's San Francisco with all their designers, musicians, etc. I'm sure there are the same types of creative people in other cities, but maybe they don't have money.

.narco

[nagromme]

From all reports so far, these are MEANT to be satellites of existing stores, NOT independent new stores. They are supposedly in touch with the local larger store--which means more inventory available sooner, and probably the option to get a PowerMac or eMac quite quickly too.

So I wouldn't necessarily expect these to serve NEW markets. They are an experiment in serving existing markets better. Think about it: if the Apple Store is on the far side of the city, you might never go there and see a Mac in action. But Apple can't support two full-size stores in one city. The answer? One full store plus one or more mini "satellites."

(Also, I've seen both the large (not flagship) and small "regular stores." The small stores aren't THIS small. They're maybe halfway in between. They have a Genius Bar off to the side, and islands in the middle, just not as much of that as the full-size stores. So these walls-only mini stores really are new.)

[srobert]

That's a Genius Bar in the back right? So where will the cashier be? :confused:

[narco]

That's a Genius Bar in the back right? So where will the cashier be? :confused:

Probably an all-in-one place -- genius bar/cashier. Or maybe it will be in front like it is now, they just took it out so that you can see the whole store in the picture.

.narco

[jholzner]

Probably an all-in-one place -- genius bar/cashier. Or maybe it will be in front like it is now, they just took it out so that you can see the whole store in the picture.

.narco

Actually, there will be one cashier area and one self-service checkout where you scan the item, swipe your card and leave.

Edit
Oh, and if you want to know where I read that...check out this report.

http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/14/ministores/index.php

[Doctor Q]

Ouch! I'm getting sore from bumping into another Apple store everywhere I turn here in California. Now if we could just get them to have price wars with each other...

Is the "Miniature Mac Genius Bar" staffed by less smart geniuses?

[iFaulder]

How about new Apple Stores ware there are none. Apple keeps opening stores near other stores. I'd have to drive 2.5 hours to get to one. Hell I'd have to drive about an hour to get to a reseller. Stupid PC hick town.

[jimsowden]

Nothing to see here folks.

[Note from moderator: jimsowden did indeed post this news first, so the threads have been merged and that post is now first in this thread.]

[Note from Jim]: I'm Jim Sowden, and I approve that message.]

[Flying Llama]

I think this is a record!

[AliensAreFuzzy]

COME ON APPLE! Put one of these in APPLEton, WI. Seriously, we could seriously use one!

[aarond12]

Is the "Miniature Mac Genius Bar" staffed by less smart geniuses?

"In addition, the stores will offer third party products, on-site repair on all Apple products, and a miniature Mac Genius Bar."

I've never seen a miniature Mac Genius before. Little people can be smart, though, too! :p

The distribution of the stores is a mystery. I am lucky enough to have two within 30 minutes' drive from my house in Dallas. My parents are lucky enough to have two within 45 minutes' drive from their house in Detroit.

-Aaron-

[phreakout13]

The closest Apple store to me is in Caimbridge, MA. Does anyone in the nothreast know if Apple is really planning to put stores in the South Shore Plaza or the Providence Place? That would be more convinient than driving into Boston.

[outerspaceapple]

seriously, who would rate this a negative! this is great news, the more outlets to buy apple stuff the better.

[angelneo]

Actually in my country, there's a number of Apple Store carrying only Apple products and their accessories. They are not that big, just about the size of those mini stores but they are not own by Apple although they are certified by Apple and they carry the name "Apple Centre". I am not too sure if this is the case for other countries as well.

http://www.asia.apple.com:81/buy/singapore.html

Edit: oops, a quick search on the web brings up a number of Apple Centres as well.

[bennetsaysargh]

The closest Apple store to me is in Caimbridge, MA. Does anyone in the nothreast know if Apple is really planning to put stores in the South Shore Plaza or the Providence Place? That would be more convinient than driving into Boston.

Providence Place is planned, but Apple is waiting for the prime spot. I must say, it is a pretty nice mall.

I'm hitting 3 Apple Store Openings on Saturday!
Christiana - Full Store
Rockaway - Mini-Store
Bridgewater- Mini-Store
Who else is going to hit all 3? I Don't think anyone is, except me, my little brother, and my uncle. I've hit King of Prussia and Menlo Park on the same opening day, I'm setting the record with 3! Anyone already beat 2 in one day?

[Abstract]

Yeah, in Australia, there are MAC1 stores that call themselves Apple Centres. They only carry Mac related products. Nextbyte is bigger, but they're just called NextByte. ;)

Canada is a vast wasteland devoid of stores like the ones in the US and Australia. Too bad, because it would be so great to find a chain of Apple stores in decent areas.

If Apple had any sense, Toronto would have one. Its one of the 5-6 largest cities in North America, I think.

[zyuzin4]

Okay, this explains it. Since the summer I had seen the signs in Oakridge Mall talking about the Apple Store coming in the Fall, yet the corner shop location looked far too small to be an Apple Store to me. Now I understand how it is all going to work. I have the day off on Saturday, so I'll be making the 3 mile trip to the mall to check it out instead of the 14 miles to the Santa Clara store.

[jimsowden]

Man, this self checkout seems iffy. Whats to shop people from walking off with stuff, I can't think of a good solution.

[swissmann]

I hope one gets built close to me.

[macridah]

I think good for a no nonsense knows what they want shopper.

[deral]

How flattering for me. A mini store for my maxed credit card. yey.

[brianrubinton@m]

I think New York desperately needs at least one more. There is only one in all of New York City, and it's always packed. Sometimes it's hard to walk around in there.

[evilgEEk]

I think New York desperately needs at least one more. There is only one in all of New York City, and it's always packed. Sometimes it's hard to walk around in there.
And what's with the SoHo Apple Store closing at 8pm?!?! I went to New York last May and I was so excited to get to the SoHo store, and when I got there it was five minutes past 8pm and was turned away!! :mad: :mad:

I was completely depressed for the rest of the night, absoultely horrible. :(

I think this is great news because I can see one of these mini's coming to a mall in my town. Even though it's been said before that these stores are meant to be Satellites, here's a snipit from the MacWorld article (http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/14/ministores/index.php):

...the new store size will allow Apple to serve both smaller markets that currently have no Apple retail presence, as well as high-traffic areas that are somewhat close to established Apple stores.

So here's hopin'!

Also I think the self-checkout idea is great! I use self-checkout at department stores, grocery stores and basically any other store that has it available. I'm curious about the shoplifting aspect too, but I'm sure they have a way to prevent it, it would be stupid if they didn't.

[TomSmithMacEd]

Apple Store Fargo, PLEASE!

[polyesterlester]

you guys should feel LUCKY to be 25mins away from the closest apple store. i'm about 3 hours away, and thats on a PLANE. yeah, i live in alaska. and WTH is up with all of the stores in CA?!?!? i think they should expand and build an apple store in anchorage :)

YES! The Alaska Mac Store's service section blows! Their sales people have always seemed friendly and helpful but I will never do business with them ever again. Avoid them like the plague.

[Macmaniac]

I think Apple should use this mini store model, and franchise it. I would love to open my own Apple mini store. I think it could be a great success for Apple! More markets more money.

[SiliconAddict]

Palo Alto, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Rosa, CA

Yah like CA needs any more Mac stores. :rolleyes:

[mms]

"Alongside Jobs at the conference was Apple Retail vice president Ron Johnson, who at one point noted that the new store design was roughly the same size as retail outlets in airports, suggesting that future airport-based Apple stores could become a convenient for traveling shoppers.
"

I just don't see how mini Apple Stores can fit into an airport. Sure, the plus side is that they get to be accessed by many people from all around but most people just aren't going to buy a computer at an airport. They can't count on complete impulse purchases to suffice.

And I agree about the CA Apple Stores statements. I live in San Diego, which is by no means the largest metropolitan area, and I have two, both within half an hour away.

[sw1tcher]

I live in California, roughly 30 minutes from a few Apple stores and every time I go to one they're PACKED. I mean, this is Hollywood where there are tons of film students, musicians -- and then there's San Francisco with all their designers, musicians, etc. I'm sure there are the same types of creative people in other cities, but maybe they don't have money.

.narco

I know what you mean.

Glendale: ~ 15 min. away
Pasadena: ~ 25 min. away
Northridge: ~ 40 min. awy
The Grove: ~ 40 min. away
Third Street Promenade: ~ 1 hr. away

And they're almost always full of people. From this, I can understand why Apple have so many stores in California.

[SiliconAddict]

I know what you mean.

Glendale: ~ 15 min. away
Pasadena: ~ 25 min. away
The Grove: ~ 40 min. away
Third Street Promenade: ~ 1 hr. away

And they're almost always full of people. From this, I can understand why Apple have so many stores in California.

Tell that to the people who have to drive the next state over to get to get to an Apple store. Apple should really consider 1 mini store in every state.
I consider myself blessed that we now have three in MN. But I think its critically stupid that two of those stores are within a 15 minute drive of one another. Did Apple just use a dartboard with picts of each selected state when they decided on the locations? :confused:

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

[Doctor Q]

Glendale: ~ 15 min. away
Pasadena: ~ 25 min. away
The Grove: ~ 40 min. away
Third Street Promenade: ~ 1 hr. awayWhat? Not Northridge?

[evilgEEk]

Apple should really consider 1 mini store in every state.
I was thinking the exact same thing.

Even though I'm bitter that California has so many Apple stores when the nearest one to me is Portland, a good 6-8 hour drive, I understand why there are so many stores there. First, there's a lot of people in that area so they need more stores to accomodate the people. And second, the stores are obviously doing well or Apple wouldn't continue opening new ones in the areas.

I would absolutely love an Apple Store in my town, but until that time comes I'm just happy that Apple is doing well enough financially to be able to open all these stores.

More stores will open in the coming years, and we'll all get ours eventually. :)

[gekko513]

Did Apple just use a dartboard with picts of each selected state when they decided on the locations? :confused:

I think you're on to something. It's a friendly competition at the Apple headquarters where 50 of their staff get one state each. Unfortunately for some of the states, they got the staff people who can't even hit the board and California got a semi-professional dart player ;)

[gwangung]

Tell that to the people who have to drive the next state over to get to get to an Apple store. Apple should really consider 1 mini store in every state.
I consider myself blessed that we now have three in MN. But I think its critically stupid that two of those stores are within a 15 minute drive of one another. Did Apple just use a dartboard with picts of each selected state when they decided on the locations? :confused:

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

Heh. Did you read what he wrote? All those stores within such a short distance of each other...AND THEY'RE STILL PACKED! Hmm...seems to me that they could use another store in that area (which would be cheaper to do than putting it in an area with fewer stores.....)...

[asif786]

"Alongside Jobs at the conference was Apple Retail vice president Ron Johnson, who at one point noted that the new store design was roughly the same size as retail outlets in airports, suggesting that future airport-based Apple stores could become a convenient for traveling shoppers.
"

I just don't see how mini Apple Stores can fit into an airport. Sure, the plus side is that they get to be accessed by many people from all around but most people just aren't going to buy a computer at an airport. They can't count on complete impulse purchases to suffice.

And I agree about the CA Apple Stores statements. I live in San Diego, which is by no means the largest metropolitan area, and I have two, both within half an hour away.

I think, personally, that mini-stores in airports will be for business travellers mainly - because:

i) whenever my dad was flying around, he always used to bring me something back - a small gift. I can see businessmen going and buying iPods/mini's for their kids on the way back from a long business trip...

ii) Hopefully they stock little cables and things like that - It's a nightmare when you realise that you've left your powerbrick somewhere or you've left an important cable at home..i think these stores would be perfect for that.

iii) lastly, mini genius bars would be cool - if you're leaving for a store that doesnt have an apple store, and your laptops been playing up, just take it in and get it sorted before you leave..

iv) and lastly again, (and i dont know if this is true in the US, but it is in the UK) TAX FREE SHOPPING!!! :D

[sw1tcher]

What? Not Northridge?

D'Oh.

Corrected.

[redAPPLE]

STOP! ENOUGH STORES IN CALIFORNIA!

The nearest one to me is like 2+ hours away. California has like 30 stores now!!! Put some stores in other places, Apple!!

i think Al Gore :D has some say in where Apple Stores would be opened, don't you think?

[zelmo]

AWESOME! More apple store means one might have a shot of being closer to where i live. Right now closest is 20-25 mins away. GO apple!! :D Bring more to MARYLAND APPLE!

What area of Maryland?
I'm lucky, being that I work in Timonium, just 5 minutes from the Apple Store in Towsontown Center. Now they are opening up a store in Newark, DE, which is just a short-ish drive (< 1 hour) from my home in Harford County.

[Stella]

Apple should concentrate more on beefing up non us market share. They should be opening more stores in other countries.

You cannot effectively compete globally by concentrating your efforts in one country.

If Apple tried, they should do some good damage in Europe and Japan.. but no, shops only in usa.

[wjdennen]

About Providence Place:

see:

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/stores/risd_johnson.html

Another audience member asked when Apple would be coming to Providence, and Johnson said the company had been trying to obtain a space in the nearby Providence Place mall for about a year. He said the existing tenants had long-term leases, and space was difficult to find. He noted that when you sign a five to 10-year lease, "You want to make sure it's the exact, right place." He said the company is looking at 100 other potential locations, and tries to be very patient to obtain the proper real estate. But he promised that eventually an Apple retail store would be located at Providence Place, "as soon as we can."

more (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/stores/risd_johnson.html)

[HisBoiElroy]

I think New York desperately needs at least one more. There is only one in all of New York City, and it's always packed. Sometimes it's hard to walk around in there.

I could hardly make it in the door there last Saturday it was so crowded. We could do with two or three more in Manhattan...maybe 5th Ave and somewhere on the West Side.

[ASP272]

Can't we get at least one of these in Nashville? Come on Apple, come back to us!

[jholzner]

Apple should concentrate more on beefing up non us market share. They should be opening more stores in other countries.

You cannot effectively compete globally by concentrating your efforts in one country.

If Apple tried, they should do some good damage in Europe and Japan.. but no, shops only in usa.

Are you serious? Apple has opened two flagship stores in Japan and have a list of over 100 potential sites.
http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=458

they are also preparing to open a store in the UK with many more sites planed
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=9890

If anyone is interested in where apple stores will open in the future this is a great site!

http://ifoapplestore.com/stores/chronology.html

[entropybran]

I still can't believe we haven't got one in Nashville yet. The user base here is very large, partly due to the recording industry

bran

[Sayhey]

I still can't believe we haven't got one in Nashville yet. The user base here is very large, partly due to the recording industry

bran

I'm with you on this one. The lack of a store in Nashville, precisely because of the huge importance of the recording industry, has always been puzzling to me. The rumors are that Apple tried and didn't succeed early on, but that doesn't explain why four years into the retail effort there still is no store there.

[puckhead193]

i'm still waiting for the one in Braintree MA to open... it would be so much easier then going to Cambridge.....

[nerveosu]

In the pictures i did not see the cash register. Do you just walk out and the store debits your credit card automagicly? One click (step) shopping with RFID?

I am guessing the genius checks you out.. :)

[slo]

I really like the minimalist design..... does anybody know who the official interior designers for Apple are?

Are there an interior shots of Apple Headquarters in Cupertino?

slo

[hulugu]

How are they going to sell anything with out a cash register?

The counter at the end, Powerbook or iMac I'm sure.

[HisBoiElroy]

I think someone already posted this story, but it answers questions about the cash registers, or lack thereof.

http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/14/ministores/index.php

Also, what time do you think you need to show up by to get the T-Shirt? ;)

[Squintz]

It seems obvious to me that people in the market for a powermac don't need to go into a ministore to know that they are. Most people who buy powermacs know exactly what they want and will go somewhere that will offer them lots of options--either the online store or a larger mac retailer. These mini stores are intended to attract people who might not buy a mac otherwise, and these people aren't likely to buy a powermac, since (except for a few small add-ons available at the store) the imac g5 offers everything the average consumer would ever need.

[Squintz]

I really like the minimalist design..... does anybody know who the official interior designers for Apple are?

Are there an interior shots of Apple Headquarters in Cupertino?

slo

Maybe Ben Barczi. I heard he's really good, and he's from Cupertino.

[iFaulder]

I think Apple should use this mini store model, and franchise it. I would love to open my own Apple mini store. I think it could be a great success for Apple! More markets more money.

That would be so cool. Just think you would be able to play with all the new stuff before any one else. But all us Mac fanatics would open one so there goes any shot of making a profit. It could be like Starbucks or Mcdonalds, one on every corner.

[zelmo]

It seems obvious to me that people in the market for a powermac don't need to go into a ministore to know that they are. Most people who buy powermacs know exactly what they want and will go somewhere that will offer them lots of options--either the online store or a larger mac retailer. These mini stores are intended to attract people who might not buy a mac otherwise, and these people aren't likely to buy a powermac, since (except for a few small add-ons available at the store) the imac g5 offers everything the average consumer would ever need.

Well said. These mini stores tie in perfectly with the G5 iMac advertising - "from the makers of the iPod." They are all about trading on the iPod to get people in the door and generate interest in the Mac platform. The people Apple wants wandering into these shops are likely new to Apple. The price tag on a PowerMac would reinforce the concept that Macs are too damned expensive. ("Come towards the light, Carol Anne.")
I AM just a little surprised that there is no eMac in the stores, even though it is a G4. Since that is the entry level Mac, and much less expensive that the new iMac, I would think it'd be there. Maybe when they put a G5 in the eMac, it'll make an appearance.
This is a good thing, and there's another mini store already announced for Bethesda!

[panda]

I think good for a no nonsense knows what they want shopper.

i agree with you totally. aestheticaly-speaking they just don't inspire do they? they certainly don't inspire to buy stuff. at least not from the pics.

clean, less is more is definately great, but...

these look like the kind of shops BIG BLUE IBM would have, not apple.

of course the metal and white finish is exactly the same finish as on the product lineup, but the feel is wrong, its hard and impersonal. i thought apple was soft, cuddly and friendly?

the genius bar in the middle looks like an altar. why so, when our worship for apple and our devout adulation for macs and everything about them is all-encompassing? are we now also expected to get down on our knees and pray on these spotless floors, to our holy icon?

the mini shop just seems to miss what is the best thing of all about mac -FUN!

well who am i to say, i'm only living in design-mad scandinavia.

:eek:

[Squintz]

i agree with you totally. aestheticaly-speaking they just don't inspire do they? they certainly don't inspire to buy stuff. at least not from the pics.

clean, less is more is definately great, but...

these look like the kind of shops BIG BLUE IBM would have, not apple.

of course the metal and white finish is exactly the same finish as on the product lineup, but the feel is wrong, its hard and impersonal. i thought apple was soft, cuddly and friendly?

the genius bar in the middle looks like an altar. why so, when our worship for apple and our devout adulation for macs and everything about them is all-encompassing? are we now also expected to get down on our knees and pray on these spotless floors, to our holy icon?

the mini shop just seems to miss what is the best thing of all about mac -FUN!

well who am i to say, i'm only living in design-mad scandinavia.

:eek:

[virividox]

i want one here in nottingham :P

[panda]

[QUOTE=Squintz]

ikea...

yeah. now we're talking! (sarcasm)

:)

[Sayhey]

i want one here in nottingham :P

No Nottingham, but how about these,

Apple last night confirmed plans to expand its own-brand retail operations internationally, and the creation of a series of mini stores across the US.

Apple's plans to open a retail outlet on London's Regent Street are well-known. The company is also now hiring staff to run an outlet in Birmingham, and revealed that it intends opening other stores in the UK and Japan over the next 12 months.

A source told Macworld that, in addition to London and Birmingham, Apple is rumoured to be considering: Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton and Southampton.

Macworld UK (http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=9890)

[Sayhey]

ifoAppleStore (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/) is already predicting new mini-store locations.

No sooner does Apple officially announce the mini-stores, than I start receiving tips on other locations, including one on 12th Street in downtown Portland and another in Venice (S. Calif.). I know Apple has several additional locations in mind, and perhaps even under construction--let me know of any mini-store locations you might spot.

[feffer37]

Oh man, this is great! Hopefully this will allow for the MASSIVE National Rollout of Apple Stores that will eventually allow Apple to dominate the consumer (also read, IT challanged) market. Apple, please crack the Michigan Market wide open!!!

Major Michigan Markets that need an Apple Store:

Lansing/East Lansing
Ann Arbor
Grand Rapids
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Flint
Traverse City

Come on Apple, let's catch up to the Socialist Republic of California! ;D

[hotwire132002]

Oh man, this is great! Hopefully this will allow for the MASSIVE National Rollout of Apple Stores that will eventually allow Apple to dominate the consumer (also read, IT challanged) market. Apple, please crack the Michigan Market wide open!!!

Major Michigan Markets that need an Apple Store:

Lansing/East Lansing
Ann Arbor
Grand Rapids
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Flint
Traverse City

Come on Apple, let's catch up to the Socialist Republic of California! ;D

Traverse City.... YES! I'm only ~45 minutes away from there! WE NEED AN APPLE STORE IN TRAVERSE CITY! (Or Cadillac, but fat chance of that one :rolleyes: )

[Yvan256]

What about Apple stores in Canada?

Apart from the iPod, Apple is non-existant in people's mind around here (I really do get the "Macs? Can you surf the Web or play MP3 files with those?" type questions).

There's stores selling Apple stuff in Montreal and Quebec City (~1 hour drive each), but a mini-store in smaller cities would be great (we got NO store selling Apple computers, AT ALL, where I live. We used to have FutureShop, but they stopped selling Apple computers a few months ago. Now all they have is iPods and accessories).

[evilgEEk]

What about Apple stores in Canada?
I think it's just a matter of time as to when Apple finally breaks into the Canadian market. But even then, I think it's a given that Toronto will be the first host to an Apple Store. Here's a bit of info from ifoapplestore (http://www.ifoapplestore.com)

Toronto - Canada - The AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com) Web site reports that Apple is interested in two malls in Toronto, possibly in the Yorkdale Shopping Center and/or Eaton Centre.

[wdlove]

Has someone here actually visited one of the Mini-Stores yet? Would like to hear about your impression. Pictures would be nice.

[Sayhey]

Here is an interesting article on one of the future uses of the new mini-store design.

As Steve Jobs showed off the new Palo Alto mini Apple Store, Apple retail VP Ron Johnson made an interesting observation. He pointed out that the new store design was the same size as retail outlets in airports, and even mentioned San Francisco International Airport as a possible future destination for one of these mini stores. The Apple product mentioned in this context: the iPod.

And when you think about it, that’s a fascinating idea. Let’s say you have same time to kill before a long flight, and you’re wandering around the airport. You spy an Apple store, and before you know it you’re considering how great it would be to have an iPod to listen to on the plane.

There’s only one problem: iPods come empty. You’ve got to download music or rip it off of a CD in order to fill your iPod with good stuff. Why buy an empty iPod before a flight?

The answer is, don’t keep it empty. Meaning, if Apple’s going to start selling iPods in airports, it needs to create some sort of kiosk to allow people to buy music from the iTunes Music Store and load it on their iPods as they stand within the store.

With these new mini stores, Apple has already shown the ability to create technological innovations in order to serve its mission: all the mini stores contain two touch-screen kiosks to let customers scan and pay for products with a credit card without waiting for a clerk.

So imagine a touch-screen-based system running a modified version of iTunes, one that lets you swipe your credit card or enter the code from a gift card you just purchased at the store along with your iPod. You enter in your e-mail address to create an account (unless you’ve already got an iTunes, account, in which case you’d just log yourself in). Then you plug in your iPod and browse the store, buying songs to take on your trip. The kiosk downloads the files directly to your iPod. And since Apple doesn’t let you copy music from the iPod back to your iTunes library, the kiosk might also copy the files as data to the hard drive portion of the iPod, or burn a CD containing the protected music files on it, or even upload them to your iDisk if you’ve got one.

The great thing about this idea is, it’s not just for new iPod buyers. If you’re a hard-core iPod user and your music library is kind of stale, why not pop into the airport Apple Store and download the latest Jet album before jetting to 30,000 feet?

It just makes too much sense to me. Let’s hope that Apple’s thinking the same thing.

maccentral (http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2004/10/itunesmini/index.php)

Also, the new stores for this year will include mini-stores at Syracuse, NY; Bethesda, Maryland; and St. Louis, Missouri. (http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/14/ministores/index.php) This answers a lot of questions about the Bethesda Row location and why it was chosen so close to the existing Montgomery Mall store.

[hotwire132002]

Here is an interesting article on one of the future uses of the new mini-store design.



maccentral (http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2004/10/itunesmini/index.php)

Also, the new stores for this year will include mini-stores at Syracuse, NY; Bethesda, Maryland; and St. Louis, Missouri. (http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/14/ministores/index.php) This answers a lot of questions about the Bethesda Row location and why it was chosen so close to the existing Montgomery Mall store.

Now that is a VERY cool idea! It would be really neat if Apple ended up doing something like that!

[coolsoldier]

I live alternately in Albuquerque, NM and Baton Rouge, LA, and I've given up on waiting for an Apple store somewhere in New Mexico or Louisiana... Now I have something new to hope for...

[zim]

The closest Apple store to me is in Caimbridge, MA. Does anyone in the nothreast know if Apple is really planning to put stores in the South Shore Plaza or the Providence Place? That would be more convinient than driving into Boston.

Yes, there will be a South Shore Plaza store. This is such a painful topic, my wife and I have been to the plaza twice in the past two weeks. Walking by that big black wall with the Apple logo on it is such a tease! The store is on the first floor right next to the Disney store. No info on the opening date as of yet, also no word on the size of it.

so frustrating because I want in!

[wdlove]

Yes, there will be a South Shore Plaza store. This is such a painful topic, my wife and I have been to the plaza twice in the past two weeks. Walking by that big black wall with the Apple logo on it is such a tease! The store is on the first floor right next to the Disney store. No info on the opening date as of yet, also no word on the size of it.

so frustrating because I want in!

My wife and I had the exact same feelings while we waited for the Chestnut Hill Mall Apple Store to open last year. It just seems like it takes for ever. Hopefully the South Shore Plaza Store will still open this year or early next year. We plan to attend if my wife has the day off.

[Bozola]

My wife and I visited the Mini store in SouthCenter Washington. It was nice, but really reminded me of a Cell phone store.

On one side, 5-7 Ipod stations. On the other side, 3-5 laptops, and 2 imacs.

Positives
Lots of space, Clean design, plenty of room to move around, more mac exposure, plenty of help, 20" IMAC in stock..(Almost, Almost, pulled the trigger :) :) ) Cool hidden cash register (wall mounted IMAC with pullout tray)

Negatives
Not much stuff to look at, Very Stark, Too bright, all LCD screens looked very dim, even at the highest brightness. No powermacs

[evilgEEk]

Too bright, all LCD screens looked very dim, even at the highest brightness.
That's exactly what I was wondering about, from the pictures I've seen it looks really bright. Is it really bad, or just kind of annoying?

[Bozola]

I thought it was really bad in that it was WAY too bright in there.

I actually thought.. mmmh.. this 20" Imac displays seems really dim. I wonder why? Even the sales guy commented on how the laptops are even worse.

[evilgEEk]

I thought it was really bad in that it was WAY too bright in there.

I actually thought.. mmmh.. this 20" Imac displays seems really dim. I wonder why? Even the sales guy commented on how the laptops are even worse.
Hmm... that's too bad. :( I wonder if there's a way to fix that, like directing the light more towards the middle of the store so the shelves aren't as bright. I doubt that would make much of a difference either.

[nfocus design]

None here in San Antonio, I made the roady to Austin for my new imac. Is the one in Houston in the Galleria? I am going to Houston next Thursday on busines, so I would not mind a little excursion. :D

The one in Houston is in the Galleria. The Austin store is better and the ones in Dallas are even better. I went to the Galleria location this simmer and it looked more like an Apple outlet store. It wasn't clean and the window display was horrible. Remember the iPod mini displays with the lighted stick and the mini on top? Well, they had the sticks (tilted in all directions) but the mini's were missing. Maybe they have cleaned it up since, but it was looking pretty sad when I was there.

[zim]

My wife and I had the exact same feelings while we waited for the Chestnut Hill Mall Apple Store to open last year. It just seems like it takes for ever. Hopefully the South Shore Plaza Store will still open this year or early next year. We plan to attend if my wife has the day off.

Called Apple about the South Shore store, well my wife did, and they said that they had planned for a November opening but due to construction issues they have been set back. They hope to be open before Christmas. :D