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Apple Testing Redesigned Genius Bar to Increase Capacity
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A circular table would have two more advantages:
- The circle of chairs would have a longer circumference than the table so you could fit more people at each computer. The genius could sit next to you and you could both see the screen.
- Leave the geniuses on the outside (they should always be helping someone so they will never be on the inside) and put the kids and their iPadson the inside! They'll be safe and parents sitting on the outside can keep an eye on them!
The problem is by keeping everyone in a tight area, it appears more busy. And if a lot of people shop there, then someone passing by will think "Wow, they must have great products! Look at how many people shop there". And Apple gets another sale, just by having a smaller store.
And it works like that, too. If you're ever in an Apple store during a slow time, count the number of people. About 2/6 are Apple employees, 3/6 are there for genius appointments - happily shopping while waiting, and just 1/6 are actual shoppers.
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just purchase it with your iphone, use the Apple Store app, it scans the bar of the item and charges your itunes account...all done, that was simple
Wait times might be shorter, but getting actual service will take longer because the genius will be spread thin having to deal with multiple customers at once. I'd rather wait in line an extra 15 minutes because when I'm dealing with a genius, I want his full attention... not have it divided between several customers.
Ooh, I riled up the child-hater crowd. Please say that about my kids in public to my face. Pleeeeaaaassssse.
If I buy it from Amazon, there's a fair chance it will end up in some delivery company's warehouse in some industrial estate in the middle of nowhere that can only accept collections in office hours. As someone who works full time, getting things delivered from internet suppliers can be a real pain in the posterior
And this is why you aren't a billionaire.
How about: The longer the kids are entertained the longer we have to sell Mom or Dad a new computer/iPhone/iPad?
How about the fact that kids have a tremendous influence on family purchase decisions, and have been gaining in that influence for several decades (i.e., McDonalds, etc.)?
so they will do what they did for weeks when there were iMacs on the table with the same old games -- go play with the demo iPads and iPod touches on the main tables
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That is exactly why they added that whole ring yourself up thing in their store iPhone app. I haven't had to wait for help for that sort of stuff in ages and I love it.
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It's not that simple. Even if Apple wanted to lease a larger space there has to be one that the landlords want to give to them. Sometimes there isn't any room or the Landlords don't want Apple tearing up the space to the amount they need to in order to put in their wiring, flooring etc.
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If I was the manager in a store where that was going on I'd walk right up to the customer and tell him/her to get the kids in check or I would invoke the right to refuse service and ban the lot of them. And then I'd do it. No one, no matter how much they might spend, is worth putting up with that nonsense.
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in many cases two of the three computers, phones etc are loading some software update or such that doesn't require the tech to be there watching the spinner go around. Why have him/her there with thumb up butt when someone else could be helped.
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Many stores have already moved to having all the test programs and such on a server that they access by plugging your computer into an ethernet port which could be under the top of the table and it's easy enough for them to toss the cable around their necks like many of them already do with their device cables.
not to mention that there could be a set of drawers we just can't see in that photo with whatever else they need
next to you and your computer. they already aren't allowed to sit and that isn't likely to change. why? because they don't want customers getting the idea that they can hang out with their new Apple Genius buddy and take forever. in and out is what Apple wants. If it takes more than that 15 minutes then they want it checked it to do whatever it needs in the back over night.
its not their job to entertain your kid. It's yours so deal with it.
No they know it's their store and they have every right to do what they want in their store so long as they aren't breaking any laws. including taking out the kids tables, moving around the repair area, making you have to get an appointment and yes even kicking you and your pet out of the store.
This has been happening informally, anyway. Not that I think it's a good move, at all.
iPhone replacements have been handled away from Genius Bar, away from other tables, in the aisles. Wait here and the Genius will see you where you stand.
There's something reassuring about the old layout - different from the rest of the shop. A sheltered port, away from the storm.
It's a long time since the Bar gave that impression of calm and organisation. For too long, it's been a shambles.
Moving it to open tables is just another step into the chaos of the rest of the store. What's the point of a place to sit and plonk down your toy, if you'll be facing another distressed customer? Then you have to turn away to interact with the Genius.
Maybe Apple's moving to the swap-over model for all products. Less and less repairable MacBook Pro Retina, just dipping the toe in the water to see how customers like it.
Maybe, like the noise (discussed below), it's a way to get you WANT to get out of the store quicker.
As long as the service stays first-rate, I'm sure it's more annoying for the Genius than it is for customers. Still not a step in the right direction.
Genius bar deserves its own floor and calm, not more chaos.
I've always wondered why they don't do something about the noise levels in stores. Can't be good for staff. And it drives customers crazy! This isn't detail that needs attention, for some it's the abiding impression of an Apple Store - just how noisy it is in there.
I can't imagine Apple is unaware of the issue.
It must persist for a reason. To minimise the time tire-kickers spend in the store? To increase urgency to buy? Weaken the will, during up-selling? That's a two edged sword, but all sales is
iPhone replacements have been handled away from Genius Bar, away from other tables, in the aisles. Wait here and the Genius will see you where you stand.
There's something reassuring about the old layout - different from the rest of the shop. A sheltered port, away from the storm.
It's a long time since the Bar gave that impression of calm and organisation. For too long, it's been a shambles.
Moving it to open tables is just another step into the chaos of the rest of the store. What's the point of a place to sit and plonk down your toy, if you'll be facing another distressed customer? Then you have to turn away to interact with the Genius.
Maybe Apple's moving to the swap-over model for all products. Less and less repairable MacBook Pro Retina, just dipping the toe in the water to see how customers like it.
Maybe, like the noise (discussed below), it's a way to get you WANT to get out of the store quicker.
As long as the service stays first-rate, I'm sure it's more annoying for the Genius than it is for customers. Still not a step in the right direction.
Genius bar deserves its own floor and calm, not more chaos.
2. If only they fixed the severe acoustical problems
I've always wondered why they don't do something about the noise levels in stores. Can't be good for staff. And it drives customers crazy! This isn't detail that needs attention, for some it's the abiding impression of an Apple Store - just how noisy it is in there.
I can't imagine Apple is unaware of the issue.
It must persist for a reason. To minimise the time tire-kickers spend in the store? To increase urgency to buy? Weaken the will, during up-selling? That's a two edged sword, but all sales is
Yeah, I honestly hate the retail experience in Apple stores, they are always very crowded and they seem very unorganized and hectic. They should take some hints from the standalone verizon stores that have the television monitors with the queue listed.
What makes you think I don't have kids, or grand kids but don't think it is everyone else's responsibility to entertain them?
Really? You are going to go Cro Magnon over someone else's opinion, eh? Says it all for me. I don't go to Apple stores to buy products to avoid people with similar attitudes. Too many other options.
And also part of Apple's drive to own the whole process, and not let others have their own Apple themed stores. Note I'm not referring to the kiosks in Best Buy and WalMart, etc...
If more resellers were able to handle the load of support for both hardware and software, or even larger colleges and universities, there probably wouldn't be as many people swarming over the Genius Bars. Maybe???
But there is a unique 'vibe' in an Apple Store. I've heard the most interesting things when I've been waiting for my appointments. Sometimes I've been able to help someone find what they are looking for, and help them out...
The Title of this article should have been...
The Title of this article should have been...
Apple Stores add 2 extra stools to the Genius Bar.
Instead of:
Apple Testing Redesigned Genius Bar to Increase Capacity
The Title of this article should have been...
Apple Stores add 2 extra stools to the Genius Bar.
Instead of:
Apple Testing Redesigned Genius Bar to Increase Capacity
No violence, just embarrass the piss out of idiots.
And frankly, the entire purpose of the Apple Store is to entertain people. Maybe to sell stuff, on the side. Kids can't be included?
This is easy to settle. Let's have four separate Apple stores: for customers with kids, customers needing genius help, customers who are both, and customers who are neither.