Apple has announced a new UK retail store in Leeds opening this Thursday, while also posting job ads in Germany for a store in Düsseldorf [Google translation] and a second store in Munich [Google translation]. Apple typically advertises for staff 6-9 months before a store opens, suggesting that the German stores could open late this year.
Leeds, situated in the north of England, is Britain's third-largest city (after London and Birmingham), making it surprising that Apple has waited this long. Munich is coincidentally Germany's third-ranking city (behind Berlin and Hamburg), and was rated Germany's most liveable city by Monocle magazine. Düsseldorf is best known as an international business hub, playing host to around 20% of the world's major trade fairs.
Apple currently has over 400 stores worldwide, with global sales exceeding $20 billion in fiscal 2012. Apple has long held the top spot in revenue per square foot among top retail chains, with the most recent estimates for Apple topping $6000 per square foot, double that of Tiffany & Co.
Article Link: Apple Opening New Store in UK This Week, Posts Job Listings for Two New German Stores