The Grove - Apple Store - Los Angeles

[Stenorocket]

I have a confirmed preorder and plan on getting to The Grove about 4am. I want to get the phone and make it to work nearby by 830am. Hopefully Grove management/security will be ready and willing to let people get in line. Anybody else planning an early arrival and if so, what time?

[RealSkyDiver]

how much is the parking and at what time do they let people into the mall? Isnt parking closed during the night?

[Mercury]

The parking is free with validation, though the Apple store's validation probably won't be able to cover your entire time there if you arrive early and camp out.

I'm trying to remember where I parked the day the first iPhone came out and I camped out at the Grove. I had some friendly people save my place in line while I went to grab a beer and clam chowder at the Farmer's Market. Good times.

[RealSkyDiver]

Did anybody ask how they hand the 2 lines? Some let them in at the same time while other have a 2:1 ratio (2 reserved to one walk-in).

[havenhamilton]

I have a confirmed preorder and plan on getting to The Grove about 4am. I want to get the phone and make it to work nearby by 830am. Hopefully Grove management/security will be ready and willing to let people get in line. Anybody else planning an early arrival and if so, what time?

the grove is going to be the busiest store in la. if you want to get to work by 8:30 you're going to have to get there at midnight at the latest.

[RTiii320]

When I went for the 3GS launch I waited a good 5 hours in line but I didnt arrive until 7 in the morning. Will they allow us to camp out the night before? Or will they not let us line up until the early morning hours?

the grove is going to be the busiest store in la. if you want to get to work by 8:30 you're going to have to get there at midnight at the latest.

BUT it is also one of the best places to wait, outside and the Farmers Market is a nice touch. As one member mentioned, getting a nice cold one while waitiing inline it IDEAL!

[roberry82]

What time are you guys trying to get there? I called security at The Grove to ask what time we'd be allowed to form a line, but they didn't have an answer for me and said they'd call me back. I was thinking of getting there around 3 or 4 am. I tried to reserve two phones on the 15th for pickup at The Grove, and was successful reserving one, but the second reservation gave me an error. I'm hoping there won't be any issues.

[Iboy4]

Guys, I've spoken with mall security and they don't allow over night waiting on premise. The earliest you can wait in line is 5am. If they catch you on premise any time before this, you will be asked to leave. So 5 am it is :)

[RealSkyDiver]

Guys, I've spoken with mall security and they don't allow over night waiting on premise. The earliest you can wait in line is 5am. If they catch you on premise any time before this, you will be asked to leave. So 5 am it is :)
That means that the line will start outside the mall well before 5am so there will be people waiting over night.

[Queen of Spades]

I'm getting home delivery - but I wanted to go to the Apple Store on the 24th to get a dock and possibly a case. The Grove is my closest Apple Store. If I get there right when it opens, can I just buy the accessories and leave without dealing with the monstrous line?

I've never been lucky enough not to have to wait in a huge line for an iPhone, so this will be my first time just going for accessories.

Thanks if anyone knows.

[Stenorocket]

In light of all the info, I've decided to take the day off. Then I can sync my phone and shoot some HD video at The Grove. I'll still be getting there early around 4am. I'll post the line status around 5am.

[DJprodiji]

if you're getting there before or around 5am, chances are good that you can park for free just outside the grove on fairfax or beverly. there's plenty of street parking. just watch for signs that say no parking 7am-9am

[Mac Divine]

I'm getting home delivery - but I wanted to go to the Apple Store on the 24th to get a dock and possibly a case. The Grove is my closest Apple Store. If I get there right when it opens, can I just buy the accessories and leave without dealing with the monstrous line?

I've never been lucky enough not to have to wait in a huge line for an iPhone, so this will be my first time just going for accessories.

Thanks if anyone knows.

As long as you are not purchasing or picking up an iPhone 4, you will be allowed into the store to purchase your accessories.

by the Way, the Apple Store @ the Groove will open @ 7am on June 24th ;)

[Stenorocket]

When I was in line for the iPad, people were told to come back at the usual opening time for anything other than iPads. The early opening was only for that product. You could call the store and ask. I found asking for a supervisor helps. I've gotten different answers from employees on the same question in the past.

[Stenorocket]

Anybody else know what time they're going to get to The Grove store?

[roberry82]

Anybody else know what time they're going to get to The Grove store?


I'm thinking of getting there around 430 am. 5 am seems to be the time that security will allow folks in the grove.

[RTiii320]

I'm thinking of getting there around 430 am. 5 am seems to be the time that security will allow folks in the grove.

One poster mentioned for the original iphone he was able to camp out.. so have they changed the rules for this years launch?

[cmhsam]

Good source has told me several celebrities will be coming in to pick up their phones without having to wait in line...

[adster]

Good source has told me several celebrities will be coming in to pick up their phones without having to wait in line...

When I bought my 3GS last year on launch day, Stevie Wonder came in and was purchasing one with the rep next to me, so I wouldn't be surprised in the least.

Cue the jokes.

[RTiii320]

When I bought my 3GS last year on launch day, Stevie Wonder came in and was purchasing one with the rep next to me, so I wouldn't be surprised in the least.

Cue the jokes.

I'm sure he'll be back again, I'm sure he will appreciate the new Retina Display.. :p

[Stenorocket]

One poster mentioned for the original iphone he was able to camp out.. so have they changed the rules for this years launch?

A few of us have checked with Grove security and they said no camping. But with these events, things change all the time. They tell you one thing one day and the next day they let people camp out. So it's really anybody's guess. I'm planning on getting there around 4 or 430 and just wait. I was going to go to work but just took the day off.

[DJprodiji]

Glad I'm in on night shift...I'll be headin over right after work, which is likely between 2 and 4. Also, if anyone wants to chip in on some Damiano's pizza, let me know. They're open til 6am :-D

[Mercury]

One poster mentioned for the original iphone he was able to camp out.. so have they changed the rules for this years launch?

FYI, if you're referring to my post, my "camping out" was during the day because the iPhone launched at 2 or 3 PM. The store closed and re-opened.

I actually have no idea what I'm going to do tomorrow!

[phas3]

yes! I knew i'd find a thread about the grove. Anyway I 've got one reserved there i'll be leaving my place here at marina del rey at 3:30 should get there at 4. WIll try to post back on this thread

[Echthros]

Does anyone know the approximate turnout over at the Grove based on previous experience?

I'll be a walk-in and I'm checking out different Apple stores to be able to weigh my chances of getting an iPhone as best I can.

[phas3]

Does anyone know the approximate turnout over at the Grove based on previous experience?

I'll be a walk-in and I'm checking out different Apple stores to be able to weigh my chances of getting an iPhone as best I can.

there's 3 Apple Stores near me, I know Manhattan Beach will be packed, santa monica will be packed and the grove. I think you're best bet would be the Santa MOnica 3rd Street Promenade

[Echthros]

there's 3 Apple Stores near me, I know Manhattan Beach will be packed, santa monica will be packed and the grove. I think you're best bet would be the Santa MOnica 3rd Street Promenade
If they're all going to be packed, wouldn't my chances of getting an iPhone be the same at all stores?

However, why do you feel Santa Monica Apple would be my best bet? I was leaning towards Manhattan Beach, but I'm curious to see as to why you say Santa Monica.

[phas3]

If they're all going to be packed, wouldn't my chances of getting an iPhone be the same at all stores?

However, why do you feel Santa Monica Apple would be my best bet? I was leaning towards Manhattan Beach, but I'm curious to see as to why you say Santa Monica.

well manhattan beach has all of the surrounding cities lawndale, hawthorne, torrance, redondo, el segundo, hermosa, el porto etc...

the grove and century city will share the volume of people going to these two stores around that area, since they are close to each other people will go to either one of these places.

Santa monica has less cities surrounding it

[Echthros]

well manhattan beach has all of the surrounding cities lawndale, hawthorne, torrance, redondo, el segundo, hermosa, el porto etc...

the grove and century city will share the volume of people going to these two stores around that area, since they are close to each other people will go to either one of these places.

Santa monica has less cities surrounding it

Yeah that makes sense. However the Manhattan Beach Apple as well as several others have restrictions as to what time you can begin lining up, which just means massive rushes, however I feel I can score a decent spot in line then.

Santa Monica already has people lining up which worries me, you know?

[iamsmarts]

Yeah that makes sense. However the Manhattan Beach Apple as well as several others have restrictions as to what time you can begin lining up, which just means massive rushes, however I feel I can score a decent spot in line then.

Santa Monica already has people lining up which worries me, you know?

Hate to Break it to you The Grove has a line forming on 3rd st. right before fairfax it was about 15 when i past by circa 11pm, FYI the Beverly center has a line aswell about 10 when I past about the same time as the grove!

[Echthros]

Hate to Break it to you The Grove has a line forming on 3rd st. right before fairfax it was about 15 when i past by circa 11pm, FYI the Beverly center has a line aswell about 10 when I past about the same time as the grove!
Ah, I see...and it's only midnight. I was planning on leaving at around 2/3 for either the Grove or Beverly Center.

Anyone know approximately how many iPhones they'll have on reserve for walk-ins?

[hogo]

any updates on the line right now? I was gonna take a nap, but now...

[iphrenzy87]

Go to the Grove...it is a flagship store and they will have more iPhones for sure!!! They do way more business than the beverly center...just some insider info!;)

[Echthros]

Go to the Grove...it is a flagship store and they will have more iPhones for sure!!! They do way more business than the beverly center...just some insider info!;)
I'm not sure how reliable the source is, though...

Anyone want to update us on the walk-in/reserved line length status of The Grove Apple Store?

[Chetoc230]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9530/5.0.0.328 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

there's about 70 people in walk in line and 50 on reservation. They are making people line up on 3rd street and security will be redirecting people to official lines at 4am

In line at reservation right now

[phas3]

I'm not sure how reliable the source is, though...

Anyone want to update us on the walk-in/reserved line length status of The Grove Apple Store?

I'll be on my way to The Grove in 10 minutes I'll give you guys an update

[Chetoc230]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9530/5.0.0.328 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

They just moved everyone to official lines.

Walkins by banana republic and reservations by American girl place

[phas3]

Just got in line! I'm like number 50-60 in the reserve line, the walk-in is like wrapping around the building lots of people already here. My guess is if you aren't here by 5am you won't get a phone for walk ins

[DJprodiji]

I just got here and there are well over 200 people in the purchase line. The line starts at Banana Republic and goes all the way out to 3rd st and wraps around about 200 ft.

[Stenorocket]

I'm in the reserve line now and there's about 150 people ahead of me. About 100 after and growing. The standby line is crazy long. I wouldn't recommend even trying to get in that line but you never know.

[Hawtrawk]

About 300 people in line for reserved phones

[phas3]

I got here 4am I am #80 on the reserve line. It is now 6:03 and the reserve line has wrapped around the building and on to the sidewalk across the street. So there's atleast 250+ people in the reserve line. The walk-INS is twice as long. The apple reps have said that you will get a phone as ling as you have a reserve, and if you want to buy an extra one you have to go to the walk in line after you get your reserved iPhone. GL to everyone that is looking to walk-in!

[Chetoc230]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9530/5.0.0.328 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Ya if your a walkin don't bother. That line its crazy long. I'm stuck at like #50 in reserve line

[schrysco]

thanks for the posts guys - can you keep us updated on the walk-ins line (non reservation)... if you hear anything about how many they have, etc.
I can't get over from work til just before 10, hoping there's some left by then!

[hogo]

Yea, like 300 here in the reserve line! Crazy

[schrysco]

Not much info coming out of the Grove... any updates?!

[phas3]

just got home with my new iphone! w000t sorry guys anyone that's in the line for walkins won't be able to go into the store until 10am

[schrysco]

Phas - they haven't sold any to walk-in people yet? You have any idea how many people are waiting in line as walk-ins, or if they already cut off that line (meaning they have more people than phones). Can't get over there til 10, trying to figure out if it's even worth it to try...
thanks!

[roberry82]

Phas - they haven't sold any to walk-in people yet? You have any idea how many people are waiting in line as walk-ins, or if they already cut off that line (meaning they have more people than phones). Can't get over there til 10, trying to figure out if it's even worth it to try...
thanks!

Just got home with my reserved iPhone 4. Truly the most gorgeous piece of electronics I've ever seen.

They were still taking reservation line folks when i left not too long ago. For those familiar with the mall, the walk in line started at the Banana Republic, stretched down to 3rd street, wrapped down 3rd street until the Nordstrom/Stanley Avenue.

[schrysco]

thanks for the info! were they even letting walk-in people in at all?

[roberry82]

thanks for the info! were they even letting walk-in people in at all?

From what I've heard from a friend nearby, yeah, they've started serving walk-ins!

[Chetoc230]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9530/5.0.0.328 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

What a crazy day at the grove.

Went to go eat lunch at farmers market and the line was still stretched way back. I'm talking about the reservation line.

:X

[GAPeach]

has the non-res line moved at all??? i was there from 6:30a - 11am and only moved 100 ft so i figured I would try back later..... any info?

[Fast Shadow]

That was an absolute joke. I stood in the reservation line for an hour and it didn't budge an inch. I left, I have better things to do with my time than that. I don't mind the long line, but absolutely zero movement? That's completely unacceptable.

[Echthros]

Does anyone know if they'll have any in stock tomorrow, based off those who never picked up their iPhone reservations today?

[Ronnoco]

Does anyone know if they'll have any in stock tomorrow, based off those who never picked up their iPhone reservations today?

Many of the SoCal stores gave vouchers to reserved people so they could come back tomorrow...they will hold the reserved phones till end of business tomorrow...that is not a good development for walk-ins....

[schrysco]

Just got back from the Grove. Walked in, waited about a half hour in the line, was in and out with 2 new phones in 10 minutes.

They have a ton of phones there - the girl working the line has a huge stack of cards representing 16GB or 32GB, if I had to guess she's carrying at least 200 or so, and if I had to guess again that's probably not even all the ones they have for sale. Another truck pulled up while I was there waiting.

For future reference: I've been going to the grove on Day #2 (or late on Day #1) for every product launch since the first iPod minis. I've always been able to get exactly what I wanted without really waiting at all. They ALWAYS stock the Grove store better than any other stores in the country (aside from maybe NYC and SF), because of the celebrity/Hollywood factor.

The line right now is maybe 15-20 people, shouldn't take long at all. If I had to guess, they will have phones in stock every day through the weekend.

[Echthros]

How's the line looking for walk-ins?

[schrysco]

How's the line looking for walk-ins?

that's what i just posted above...?!

[Echthros]

that's what i just posted above...?!

I didn't know if you had one reserved or just walked in to buy one without a reservation.

I must've missed it if you mentioned it, obviously. Thanks for the information though.

[schrysco]

Sorry, to clarify: there are no reservations anymore. It's all walk ins now!

[durian]

For future reference: I've been going to the grove on Day #2 (or late on Day #1) for every product launch since the first iPod minis. I've always been able to get exactly what I wanted without really waiting at all. They ALWAYS stock the Grove store better than any other stores in the country (aside from maybe NYC and SF), because of the celebrity/Hollywood factor.

The line right now is maybe 15-20 people, shouldn't take long at all. If I had to guess, they will have phones in stock every day through the weekend.

I had similar success in past years going an hour before closing on day 1. For the original iPhone, I walked into the Glendale Galleria. Absolutely no wait. For the 3G, I was in line at the Beverly Center for an hour (an hour before closing) then got a voucher to come back next day. Came back next day, jumped to the head of the line and got my phone in 15 minutes. This year I was too busy to head out in the evening so I tried morning of day 2. About 45 minutes in and out at the Pasadena location.

If you don't need the phone right away, life is a lot easier if you wait till an hour before closing on day #1 or some time on day #2. No camping. No craziness. Also, lines do vary at different Apple stores. In LA, we have a ton of stores to choose from. Your closest store may not always be the best choice. I've found Glendale Galleria and the Grove to be well stocked. Beverly Center's stock is a bit more iffy but their lines are shorter.

Good luck for those of you who haven't bought yours yet.

[iMux]

Thanks Durian. I might check out the Grove after work.

[cLin]

The line right now is maybe 15-20 people, shouldn't take long at all. If I had to guess, they will have phones in stock every day through the weekend.

Is it because they are getting new shipments everyday OR they just have a TON in stock right now? I'm debating whether or not I want to drive to LA right now in rush hour friday traffic...or wait til tomorrow morning when there's no traffic.

[rownay]

Does anyone know how much they have in stock right now? and how the line is?

[terramar]

I stopped by at about 1:20 or so.

The line looks short at first, but it turns out that there's a big gap, and the actual end of the line is quite some distance away. There are apple staffers escorting people from the first part of the line to the next.

The approximate wait when I asked a staffer was "at least 2 hours", and he was very skeptical that everybody already in line would even get a phone.

So...not sure what changed between the earlier reports and my experience.

I have to say - all this inconvenience sure isn't making me want a iphone4 more....it's got me thinking that maybe the 3gs is fine...or that maybe I should consider an HTC....

[rownay]

yeah, i just called and they said they sold out, hmmmm, anyone there confirm this?

[cLin]

yeah, i just called and they said they sold out, hmmmm, anyone there confirm this?

I assume the store's answer would be confirmation enough.

[rownay]

I assume the store's answer would be confirmation enough.

they could be lying

[durian]

double post

[durian]

Wow, looks like it's selling out in a number of locations now. If you're planning a trip, I highly suggest calling the store ahead of time. Who knows, they may get shipments in later today. May want to check the other nearby locations: Century City, Beverly Center and Santa Monica. The rep I talked with won't disclose when new shipments may arrive.

[Chetoc230]

anyone with a reservation/priority list (after launch) at the grove get their email yet to pickup the phone?