I go to this store all the time. It was brutal during the iPad 2 launch scalpers like crazy leaving with bags full of iPads. I may have to head up there this weekend as I want to check out the retina mini anyway might as well check out the big store as well
The iPad 3rd gen launch was even crazier -- given a choice, I'll pick the Nashua (Pheasant Lane Mall) location over Salem every time because of that disaster. Even though I had pre-ordered and pre-paid for my iPad online, I had to wait outside while the Salem PD paraded around threatening to arrest people if they got too crazy. I watched a young African American put into handcuffs -- I have no idea if it was racially motivated or not, but given the demographics of the line, it was awfully convenient that they found someone who wasn't white to arrest.
I also watched a cop ride up and down the line on his motorcycle while yelling in his megaphone at people.
When I finally got in the door 3 hours later, I got told by the Apple employee at the mall entrance that since I had pre-paid, there wasn't any need for me to wait outside in line -- it was only because of the Salem PD that they couldn't go out and actually invite the pre-paid people inside. They got told to stay on the inside of the mall and the cops would handle the outside.
She did apologize profusely about the whole situation and I don't hold Apple personally at fault for what happened. But it has made me very leery about going to the Salem location again.
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I just want my tax-free 5s! Anybody have any luck or advice on getting one here at the Salem store?T
If you are just trying to avoid the sales tax, I was told by a Target employee that the MA stores pay the sales tax on the subsidy portion. So you would only pay the sales tax on the advertised price rather than the full price with subsidy (and with iPhones, that's pretty substantial with a $450 subsidy -- $28.13 in additional sales tax).
Otherwise, just keep checking at all the stores -- don't overlook Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and the Nashua Apple Store as well.