New Apple Stores and Closings

[Sayhey]

I don't see any mention of Apple at the Beverly Center site nor any mention of Beverly Center at apple.com. Do you?

Perhaps you mean Century City, in Los Angeles, where Apple has job listings (job requisition numbers 2143361, 2285554, 2143359, and 2143360)?

I just rechecked the listings and it is no longer there. It is not the first time locations have been posted only to be dropped later. I'll keep checking to see if it is reposted.

For the future, check out Apple's "Search Jobs" page. If you click on the "Apple Retail Store" box and look through the listings you will find all the current and future locations in a scroll through menu. This page replaced the "drop down" menu that Apple had for years.

edit: as of this update there is a listing for a Store Manager at "Los Angeles-BeverlyCenter-R124, CA, USA" on Apple's "local Apple Store" page. I'd say that confirms it.

 

[Sayhey]

Just checked on the Century City website, and while it does include Apple on its coming soon page, the construction mess (both in the mall and in the streets surrounding the mall) sounds horrendous. Anyone close by who knows what the actual situation is?

COMING SOON

As the transformation of*Westfield Century City*progresses, you’ll see more retailers coming aboard, including Williams-Sonoma’s new concept, Williams-Sonoma Home. With its hip, up-to-the-minute fashions, Limited Too is certain to be a favorite with style-conscious girls between 7 and 14. Wetzel’s Pretzels offers the perfect on-the-run snack in a number of mouth-watering varieties. Wondering how to better organize your home? The Container Store has the solution for every room. iPod and Mac devotees will soon be able to try and buy the very latest electronics at The Apple Store.* Our latest lease signings include Aerosoles, a store offering stylish, colorful, and above all, comfortable shoes for women.* And we're proud to announce that Thomas Pink Co., direct from Jermyn Street in London, is opening its first Southern California store at Westfield Century City.* An international success story, Thomas Pink features the finest luxury shirts, ties and accessories for men and women.

 

[Doctor Q]

Just checked on the Century City website, and while it does include Apple on its coming soon page, the construction mess (both in the mall and in the streets surrounding the mall) sounds horrendous. Anyone close by who knows what the actual situation is?

I've was there a few times in the last month. The construction area is confined to one large (southwest) corner of the mall. Some of the parking entrances are closed, so it can get a little more crowded getting in and out during busy hours, but life goes on as usual in the rest of the stores.

I heard (no proof) that they are relocating the AMC theaters to the new area, and converting to stadium-style seating. I'm not sure where in the layout the Apple store will show up. Should I get in line now for the store opening, just in case?

 

[dnnx]

Did you know that Apple gross margins to the dealers is about 8%.?
Did you know that when a dealer sell an iBook for $1,000 and I decide to charge it on a credit card the dealer is left with less then $55.00 gross profit? That is about a tip for a $300 dinner we leave to a waiter. That is 15 to 18% to a waiter that does not have the overfhead that the dealer has.
Apple is purposely making it a bad experience at the dealership to get the reaction you have.
Apple refuse to invest in the dealer channel and is making sure that the channel disappear in time.
I give a lot of credit to the dealers that have survived despite of Apple. Try walking in the above shoes.
Did you know the above?

And how is this different from the Apple corporate stores?

If it is 8%, it cost the Apple stores have about the same.
Why is Apple going to sell them cheaper to the Apple stores? The manufacturing VP will get pissed because he wont hit his revenue projections. The Apple stores have to turn a profit just like the independents, if not they wont last long.

Check my previous post.

 

[iJon]

And how is this different from the Apple corporate stores?

If it is 8%, it cost the Apple stores have about the same.
Why is Apple going to sell them cheaper to the Apple stores? The manufacturing VP will get pissed because he wont hit his revenue projections. The Apple stores have to turn a profit just like the independents, if not they wont last long.

Check my previous post.

You bring up an interesting subject. The exact subject that is also fueling part of the lawsuit. Granted their is a lot of questions to still be answered but you might find this interesting, it's dated but has a lot of information.

http://www.thinksecret.com/news/retailaccounting.html

jon

 

[Sayhey]

I've was there a few times in the last month. The construction area is confined to one large (southwest) corner of the mall. Some of the parking entrances are closed, so it can get a little more crowded getting in and out during busy hours, but life goes on as usual in the rest of the stores.

I heard (no proof) that they are relocating the AMC theaters to the new area, and converting to stadium-style seating. I'm not sure where in the layout the Apple store will show up. Should I get in line now for the store opening, just in case?

The mall website has a phone # that will tell you in excruciating detail all the wonderful improvements there are implementing, including the theaters relocation, but I wouldn't hold my breath or get in line waiting for the Apple store to open. At least not for a little while. If you can't see any construction on the store is sounds like at least a month or more before opening. ifoAppleStore had photos from last August showing the location, but it seems way, way behind schedule.

 

[pugdog]

Apple Store Prophet

Well, I see a pattern starting in my life. Every time I move from a city, they get an apple store. After I moved from Kansas City...apple store, after moving from Oklahoma City...apple store. I'm not planning on moving from Bend, OR anytime soon, but I guess after I do ... apple store!

 

[wdlove]

Well, I see a pattern starting in my life. Every time I move from a city, they get an apple store. After I moved from Kansas City...apple store, after moving from Oklahoma City...apple store. I'm not planning on moving from Bend, OR anytime soon, but I guess after I do ... apple store!

That is a very intriguing pattern. If you are happy in Bend, OR, then it's best to stay. How far are you from an Apple Store?

 

[Sayhey]

That is a very intriguing pattern. If you are happy in Bend, OR, then it's best to stay. How far are you from an Apple Store?

What'd you think, wdlove? Should he nail his feet to the floor and wait for those slow moving stores to catch up to him?

 

[Sayhey]

I see ifoAppleStore has the latest rumor concerning international stores.

Apple has selected the location for its next Japan retail store-- the energetic Shibuya district of Tokyo, populated by the teen set, strobe lights, pachinko parlors, bright neon lights, and sometimes outrageous fashion. The Akihabara district might have been a more likely location, with its concentration of electronics retailers, or the Shinjuku district, home of Yodabashi Camera, previously the country's largest Apple reseller. But both of those location are still on the "possible" list for future stores.

This would be Tokyo's second store and Japan's fourth.

 

[macidiot]

I don't see any mention of Apple at the Beverly Center site nor any mention of Beverly Center at apple.com. Do you?

Perhaps you mean Century City, in Los Angeles, where Apple has job listings (job requisition numbers 2143361, 2285554, 2143359, and 2143360)?

doesn't sound right to me either. That's very close to the Grove store. I do think they should put one in Bev. Hills, maybe on Beverly (the street). But I suppose that would be too close to Century City (only 1/2-1 mile away).

I'm surprised they haven't opened one up in the South Bay or Encino areas instead of just blanketing the westside. I guess Fry's has some serious clout, since they have stores in those areas.

 

[gopher]

doesn't sound right to me either. That's very close to the Grove store. I do think they should put one in Bev. Hills, maybe on Beverly (the street). But I suppose that would be too close to Century City (only 1/2-1 mile away).

I'm surprised they haven't opened one up in the South Bay or Encino areas instead of just blanketing the westside. I guess Fry's has some serious clout, since they have stores in those areas.

The location of another major retailer nearby hasn't stopped Apple in San Francisco. Their San Francisco store is exactly one block from CompUSA on Market Street. And a two story Apple Store at that!

 

[zwida]

The location of another major retailer nearby hasn't stopped Apple in San Francisco. Their San Francisco store is exactly one block from CompUSA on Market Street. And a two story Apple Store at that!

Agreed. I don't think Apple would object to placing a store directly next to Fry's if it was a choice location. I don't think Apple is all that concerned about the longterm health of any of its current retailers.

Of course, I don't have a problem with any of this either, which may put me at odds with quite a few folks out there.

 

[Sayhey]

doesn't sound right to me either. That's very close to the Grove store. I do think they should put one in Bev. Hills, maybe on Beverly (the street). But I suppose that would be too close to Century City (only 1/2-1 mile away).

I'm surprised they haven't opened one up in the South Bay or Encino areas instead of just blanketing the westside. I guess Fry's has some serious clout, since they have stores in those areas.

It may not sound right, but it is right. The Apple website is advertising for the usual positions for this upcoming store. Check out the "local Apple Store" page of listings and you will see several job openings for "Los Angeles-BeverlyCenter-R124, CA, USA."

As to other areas in LA, isn't Manhattan Beach a little away from the cluster around the Grove? They are also planning a new store there. LA is such a huge market, I think Apple will be putting new stores in the metro area for years to come.

 

[macidiot]

It may not sound right, but it is right. The Apple website is advertising for the usual positions for this upcoming store. Check out the "local Apple Store" page of listings and you will see several job openings for "Los Angeles-BeverlyCenter-R124, CA, USA."

As to other areas in LA, isn't Manhattan Beach a little away from the cluster around the Grove? They are also planning a new store there. LA is such a huge market, I think Apple will be putting new stores in the metro area for years to come.

Granted, the area around bev center and the grove is densely populated so they could very well be opening a store there. Just seems there are better places to put one.

Manhattan Beach is about 20-30minutes south of Santa Monica. And its at least 45 minutes from the Grove (normal traffic if you take the highways). Oh and Manhattan Beach is in South Bay. South Bay is Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance...

 

[mixgrafix]

Owning a Small Business

I used to own a small scuba shop outside of Detroit, michigan. My suppliers could not fulfill there product obligations to me, and I actually had a piece of equipment that was shipped to me 372 days after they announced it was available. I offered my customers another product, but they wanted the product that the company said was available. They gave it to the dealers that were larger in the area.

I feel for the people that lost there business due to bias.

 

[macidiot]

Agreed. I don't think Apple would object to placing a store directly next to Fry's if it was a choice location. I don't think Apple is all that concerned about the longterm health of any of its current retailers.

Of course, I don't have a problem with any of this either, which may put me at odds with quite a few folks out there.

I'm no fan of Fry's. That Manhattan Beach store is a pit of despair, especially the Apple section. They seem to cater to the ultra-geek, dirt poor gamer that overclocked his celeron to 15Ghz and cools it with an adapted leaf blower. And also has added enough lighting to his case to rival a Vegas casino. To be fair, I do shop there and often find what I'm looking for though the quality isn't often the best. Stuff like usb hubs, cables, adapters, and beef jerky.

 

[BigHat]

Cool

Hmmmm... the Washington, DC metro area already has stores in Tyson's Corner (the first Apple Store), Clarendon, Montgomery Mall, and Bethesda (mini store)...

Do we really need this new one in Arlington (Pentagon City)?

Don't get me wrong -- I'm all for expansion (and Tysons always has a lot of customers when I stop by), but adding a new store in a market with four already when so many places have none at all? Odd.

I know tons of Mac-interested people in the Roanoke, VA area who can't justify going all the way to DC or Richmond to experience/buy Apple products, and nobody else in the area carries them. Those are the kinds of places Apple should go now, since the major markets are largely covered.

Now I only have to drive .5 miles instead of a mile.

 

[wdlove]

What'd you think, wdlove? Should he nail his feet to the floor and wait for those slow moving stores to catch up to him?

I will aquaess to your expertise Sayhey. What is your assessment of an Apple Store close to his area in Bend, Oregon. He seems to be happy where he is now, so think the drastic option won't be needed.

 

[Sayhey]

I will aquaess to your expertise Sayhey. What is your assessment of an Apple Store close to his area in Bend, Oregon. He seems to be happy where he is now, so think the drastic option won't be needed.

Bend, Oregon is a city of about 58,000 people and about 3 hours from the nearest Apple store (Tigard, OR) or maybe 2 and half hours from the nearest cities that could possibly get an Apple store (Salem and Eugene.) He's in for a very, very long wait if he really wants a store in Bend. Much better to drive to the Portland area stores.

Now, if his powers of attraction are as great as he claims, he could make a good living as a guest in those cities in desperate need of an Apple store.

 

[Sayhey]

Granted, the area around bev center and the grove is densely populated so they could very well be opening a store there. Just seems there are better places to put one.

Manhattan Beach is about 20-30minutes south of Santa Monica. And its at least 45 minutes from the Grove (normal traffic if you take the highways). Oh and Manhattan Beach is in South Bay. South Bay is Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance...

I can't say if the Beverly Center is a smart choice as I don't know the area well enough. I'll have to accept your judgment as a local; I was only trying to break the news - good or bad about the coming of an Apple store there.

So, does the Manhattan Beach location sound like a good one to you? From what I understand it will be in the Manhattan Village mall. What do you think?

 

[letskeepitstr8]

And how is this different from the Apple corporate stores?

If it is 8%, it cost the Apple stores have about the same.
Why is Apple going to sell them cheaper to the Apple stores? The manufacturing VP will get pissed because he wont hit his revenue projections. The Apple stores have to turn a profit just like the independents, if not they wont last long.

Check my previous post.

Apple stores have sold and continue to sell at prices below suggested retail if you know how to approach them.

 

[letskeepitstr8]

Can someone please explain to me how these shrinking profit margins and supply difficulties are different for Apple resellers than for PC resellers?

Yes it is different. The PC market has 95% of the market. Apple only 5% or less. That makes it a very limited market with smaller return due to the volume. Apple products command a higher prices than PC. Nevertheless Apple Corporate keeps on narrowing the margin to its dealers and keeps for itself a larger share then the day before without regards to its effects on the dealers that supported Apple during its bad time.

 

[letskeepitstr8]

Can someone please explain to me how these shrinking profit margins and supply difficulties are different for Apple resellers than for PC resellers?

Are the supply difficulties relegated to only small resellers or is it to all non-Apple owned stores? I sure don't see a problem with stock at CompUSA or Fry's. If it is a preferential supply to large distributors is there something illegal about that?

Folks, I don't want the "mom and pop" reseller to go out of business, but if it is between that and the continued problems of selling through channels that haven't a clue about how to sell - then bye bye mom & pop. ]

You seem to have missed the point. Why would they complain of receiving no products if you can't sell it? It should be obvious that those resellers are loosing their customer base to the store that have products. It tells me that they have a customer base that is not being served because of lack of products. Not giving products to them continue to erode their sales and shift the buying pattern. How often would you be willing to go to a store that does not have products? Apple is making sure that your buying pattern is not to support the stores that they want out. That channel knows how to sell otherwise why would they complain that they have no product? They see their customer base stolen away by starvation of products.

 

[Sayhey]

Can someone please explain to me how these shrinking profit margins and supply difficulties are different for Apple resellers than for PC resellers?

Yes it is different. The PC market has 95% of the market. Apple only 5% or less. That makes it a very limited market with smaller return due to the volume. Apple products command a higher prices than PC. Nevertheless Apple Corporate keeps on narrowing the margin to its dealers and keeps for itself a larger share then the day before without regards to its effects on the dealers that supported Apple during its bad time.

My point, wrapped up in my original question, is that resellers of computers, Apple or PCs, are being squeezed. In large part that is because of the falling profit margins as prices for computers come down. I hate to think how many $300 dollar PCs a reseller must sell to make any money at all. In that kind of market do we assume Apple must compete and maintain high levels of profits for its reseller? Or do we assume that the resellers must find a way to sell more macs in order to maintain their profits? I get the impression from your comments that the resellers did Apple a big favor by making money selling Apples products when margins were high, and now they are owed the same high margins even when those margins are shrinking throughout the industry. I'd like to see a contract with Apple that guarantees that. Unfortunately, capitalism doesn't work that way.