'Next-Generation' Apple Store Opens in Memphis

[XTheLancerX]

Apple closed my local Apple Store ( The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, CA) for expansion and remodeling 2 weeks ago. I wonder if they are going to give it the same treatment.

PS. the timing sucks because I want to trade in my 4s for a new iPhone SE and now I have to drive 15 miles to the next closest Apple store instead of the one 2 miles away.

I wish I could have your problem lol. Nearest Apple Store to me is over 60 miles away. Then there's another about 60 miles another way, then after that about 110 miles away. Fun! It only just opened after being closed for a long time for renovations (it's the Walden Galleria one in Buffalo NY, you can look and see it's been remodeled)

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

If you have an iPhone. forget the employees. I often go, grab what I want, pay using the Apple Store App and walk out. Easy Peasy. If you want to buy a phone or a computer, then you need to get an employee. But again, just tell the first employee at the door and they will put you on the queue. In the mean time, wonder around and enjoy the sites.

I didn't realize that people needed directions for how to use the Store.

 

[Mactendo]

It's not thin. Not thin at all.

 

[Sheza]

They opened a new store down the street from the old one. Closing the old one

Sorry, what?

As far as I am aware, and I've been to London very recently, there is a temporary store in the basement while they remodel the actual store. It hasn't moved though.

 

[AdamJD]

Apple Stores have a few big issues that didn't exist when the stores were new. They almost smell like B.O. I know many people who avoid going in just because the stores smell from the huge amount of people, many of whom are just looking to jump on social media or loiter at the store. Another problem is the large number of staff who aren't knowledgeable about the products or interested in helping customers. The last few times I've been in the Southern California stores, I walked around looking at new products while Apple employees hung out talking to each other and playing videogames on demo machines. When I've asked questions, the answers were very basic and usually came with inaccurate information.

 

[Mactendo]

Looks darker and like something from the 90's to me. Not Apple-like. Too much wood, not enough light and those thick displays and gaps everywhere even on the walls...

 

[rhett7660]

I think it looks pretty good!

 

[iReality85]

Albany, NY opened in February. I think there were a couple before that too.
http://m.timesunion.com/news/articl...store-at-Crossgates-6857918.php#photo-9467209

I live in Albany, NY. It really is a beautiful store, and the folding glass store front is really cool. Even the floor room inventory is pretty neat; for products that are displayed in front of wood paneling, the wood panels pull forward (like a filing cabinet) to reveal an inventory rack.

One of the managers told me that it was (in Februrary) the 3rd store of it's kind. Not sure if they meant US or World.

 

[69650]

Albany, NY opened in February. I think there were a couple before that too.
http://m.timesunion.com/news/articl...store-at-Crossgates-6857918.php#photo-9467209

Nice design but my local Apple Store is just too small and too chaotic to temp me in anymore. I can't see that changing no matter how good the design is.

I wish they would start opening Apple Stores in out of town retail parks instead of tiny shops in high streets and shopping malls.

 

[CarlJ]

If you have an iPhone, forget the employees. I often go, grab what I want, pay using the Apple Store App and walk out.

I've done this often too. I keep having an absurd desire, though, to start with my phone and some item off the shelf in hand, and start paying via the Apple Store App while running towards the front door, timing it so the payment goes through just before i get outside, leaving them with a mere fraction-of-a-second window between "potential shoplifter" and "valued customer". Just to see what would happen. Mostly just an interesting thought experiment.

I do wonder, if they have simply calculated that the occasional unpaid item that walks off is worth it for the goodwill generated by not having a visible security person / receipt checker on the way out. If all the merchandise is RFID tagged, they could presumably essentially generate an electronic map of the inside of the store tracking all merchandise, use bluetooth locator beacons to get very precise coordinates for all iPhones that have bought something with EasyPay, subtract out the corresponding merchandise items from the map, and then subtly alert the greeters near the door (i.e. send their phone or portable terminal a special vibrate pattern) if unpaid merchandise was heading out.

 

[Vanilla35]

Next generation? Looks like the same old song with a few new lines and Ive wants everybody to cheer it.

--- apologies to The Who.

To me it look more retro 1st Gen Apple Store than something supposedly all-new.



Sense of warmth and home? But where are the baristas and latte menu? It's a tech/consumer electronics store for crying out loud. I don't want to feel warm and cuddly, I want to feel exhilarated and awed by the latest and greatest. I don't go into a tech store to relax... well, OK, maybe, but not in the sense I do when I chill at a coffee shop.

It is the american way to encourage "browsing" so it makes sense in this manner. Otherwise, it also can be a welcome setting when you are waiting for your smashed iPhone display to get swapped out. Aside from those two points, I completely agree with you, but we're the techies, and the majority of people in there are still just everyday people taking pictures on mac facetime cameras and applying filters to them.

 

[sevoneone]

Corte Madera, CA was the first of the new generation stores in North America. Opened January 30, 2016. Dubai and Brussels were earlier.

Shout out to good 'ole R071. I saw the photos from fellow former employees on Facebook from the re-opening day. Wish I could have been there myself. Hats off to the team there, very cool, even for a guy that has not worked there for 5 years.

Talk about a transformation. The new design I think maximizes the space. Can't wait to check out a redesigned store in person.

 

[mconk]

Apple opened a next generation store in Albany NY, a month ago. This is hardly the first.

Was just about to mention this. The store is absolutely STUNNING!!! What's strange, however, is that they decided not to include the infamous white backlit apple logo. Otherwise, absolutely gorgeous store!

 

[MrAverigeUser]

So we should expect a 37-Foot iPhone any time now...

and Jony Ive can now restart to make it thinner...

 

[tennisproha]

Woodwork patterns have represented domestic calm for centuries. The symbolism is almost universal. It gives a sense of warmth and home. This is why you see woodwork, white walls and glass at an Apple Store, it gives a warm "at home" feel.

One thing I love about Apple Stores is no stationary point of sale. The whole store is dynamically designed for the staff to adjust with the ebb and flow of customers. Wish most retailers would follow this model.

Keen observation about the woodwork and nailed it about the lack of POS. These are the kinds of posts i like to read!

 

[952863]

Looks beautiful!

 

[AT101ET]

There's a next gen shop/store in Brent Cross, London that opened up quite a while ago

 

[Arran]

wow. the setting is so austere . like being in an empty room. no personality.

There are some days I wish my local stores were so empty! Seriously, it can be difficult just getting in the door.

And Saturdays? Forget it.

 

[Even Longer]

How long did it take for the store to be remodelled?

The Regent's Street store in London has been under construction for ages. I'm getting impatient

You still can switch to the other two remaining chapels, while you wait for this temple to open.

 

[2457282]

I've done this often too. I keep having an absurd desire, though, to start with my phone and some item off the shelf in hand, and start paying via the Apple Store App while running towards the front door, timing it so the payment goes through just before i get outside, leaving them with a mere fraction-of-a-second window between "potential shoplifter" and "valued customer". Just to see what would happen. Mostly just an interesting thought experiment.

I do wonder, if they have simply calculated that the occasional unpaid item that walks off is worth it for the goodwill generated by not having a visible security person / receipt checker on the way out. If all the merchandise is RFID tagged, they could presumably essentially generate an electronic map of the inside of the store tracking all merchandise, use bluetooth locator beacons to get very precise coordinates for all iPhones that have bought something with EasyPay, subtract out the corresponding merchandise items from the map, and then subtly alert the greeters near the door (i.e. send their phone or portable terminal a special vibrate pattern) if unpaid merchandise was heading out.

My understanding is that there have been cases where people were stopped and prosecuted over this. The one I remember was a person that started the buying process but did not actually complete the transaction and then claimed ignorance.

I have no idea how they track this but it does seem they are aware of what people are doing while in the store.

 

[Fancuku]

That's a lot of wood which has nothing to do with Apple designs. And where are the genius counters?

 

[CarlJ]

That's a lot of wood which has nothing to do with Apple designs.

Hmm. Would you expect the store to use _only_ the design elements they thought best for personal electronics? Any design in a new field must use only elements already in play? By that standard, their watch could only have bands made of aluminum or glass. Will the Apple Car's tires be made of glass, or of aluminum? How about the seats? I suspect they are picking the materials they feel are best for each new field of design. Wood has a lovely look and feel, tends to evoke positive feelings in people, and all the display tables in current Apple Stores are wood.

And where are the genius counters?

Likely simply not pictured. Perhaps someone local can take a few photos.

 

[NufSaid]

I like the new look. I think they need to add more play and more reasons for current owners who have no need to be there other than to play and chat.

However, every one that I go in is so slammed full you can hardly move.

 

[jasmemphis]

I went to the one in Chestnut Hill, MA on Saturday. I have mixed feelings. Not having an Apple logo in the front is going to be confusing for some people looking for the stores. That's usually how most people seek stores. A logo of some kind.

What I liked: The way cases are presented is much better. You can touch them, take them off the display, put them on your iPhone, etc. Very cool. The massive screen in the back is just so cool. Overall it's a very minimalistic feel to the entire store.

What I didn't liked: Seemed like less accessories are now on display. For example I saw no laptop sleeves.

Overall it's pretty cool but it wasn't mind blowing or anything.

It has no personality. Boring. Cold and impersonal.

 

[Deefuzz]

Huh. The one at the mall that I work at closed recently for this renovation, but they opened up a temporary Apple store across the way while renovations were going on.

I went to the 1 Infinite Loop store last year. I really like some of the changes so I look forward to seeing that in our store.

Wondering if they will be doing the whole opening celebration thing with free shirts and all like the do for a regular store opening.