New Apple Stores?

[Lara F]

Turns out I've ended up in Center City Philly for a year - so I can vouch that a downtown Apple store would be very appreciated, especially since I don't have a car. I'm disappointed they didn't end up taking the spot where Borders used to be on Walnut, it's an upscale shopping area in Rittenhouse Square and would have been pretty ideal. Oh well.

That said, Springboard media did seem fairly decent - I'm just spoiled by two years of the Shadyside store in Pittsburgh.

 

[Lara F]

It's really difficult to put one in Center City Philadelphia.

The Gallery (mall) isn't upscale enough, even though with the Federated buyout of May Dept. Stores, there will likely be a Macy's there. There is a Lord & Taylor where the John Wanamaker store was. There also is Liberty Place, which has a number of small stores and fast food places. Chestnut Street at Rittenhouse Square is very upscale but hardly has room and the neighbourhood would probably object to a big black box being plunked down there. There was a store dealing in Apple equipment in that area. They need foot traffic with the money to lead to potential (or real) sales.

They could change tactics and open a store in or next to Chinatown. It would be near The Gallery, Reading Terminal Market, The Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the historical sites. However, it would be more of a risk.

Yes, there's a new Macy's opening next month - I believe it's replacing the Lord and Taylor.

I can't imagine Apple even considering touching the Convention Center/Chinatown area. The Gallery serves its purpose, but isn't anything to look at...nor is the immediate vicinity of Market Street. Liberty Place is more upscale and I could imagine an Apple store fitting in, but I'm not sure it'd get enough foot traffic to be profitable. Walnut was really the best bet, but it'll be hard to get an opening now unfortunately.

 

[spine]

Apple Store Providence RI!

I am a RI resident and can report this:
The Apple Store for providence place mall is not opening any time soon!

I saw the location listed on the mall directory sign. I went to location, peered through the construction barriers and saw the frame-work. It appears like the construction has just begun. It was all exposed wires, beams, etc.

I'll keep checking it out - hopefully they can work magic and open by the fall.