retail store

Apple video shines light on retail store importance

It seems like a lot of prep, planning, and philosophy goes into Apple's retail model. Now, a leaked internal video proves this to be true.

9to5Mac spotted the video from Washington Square Films, writing that the clip never publicly aired and was only meant for the eyes of Apple retail store employees.

"Every great journey begins with a first step and we took our first step about a decade ago," former senior vice president of Apple Retail Ron Johnson said in the video, "we started retail."

The year-old video narrated by Johnson, who left Apple … Read more

Microsoft may open retail stores in U.K. next year, says report

Microsoft may be opening its first European retail shops in the U.K. next year.

The folks in Redmond have been talking to property landlords in the U.K., a person familiar with the talks told the Financial Times. Microsoft reportedly expressed confidence that it will open the first outlets next year, the source said. But a final decision will be based on the performance of its U.S. stores.

This latest tidbit follows a report this past June from The Verge, saying that Microsoft would open a U.K. store next March. The company officially incorporated itself in the … Read more

Hello, Rio. Apple Store to make first foray into Brazil

Apple is heading to Rio de Janeiro.

The electronics giant will open its first retail store in Brazil, it confirmed in an email to Brazilian press.

The company didn't specify when the store will open or where it will be located in the city.

Here's the full statement from Apple, via Brazilian reports:

"We look forward to the opening of the first Apple Store in Brazil, where we have longstanding customers and hope to win many more every day. We cannot wait to offer the unique Apple retail experience to the people of Rio de Janeiro and … Read more

Apple stores still top earners per square foot, study says

Apple's retail stores have once again nabbed the top spot when it comes to sales per square foot.

According to research firm RetailSails, compared with more than 200 chains in 15 different retail genres, Apple brought in the most money per square foot at its stores during the year.

According to the rankings (seen right), Apple made $6,050 per square foot during 2012, a little more than twice that of the runner-up, jewelry maker Tiffany & Co., which brought in $3,017 per square foot. By comparison, RetailSails pegged Apple for $5,626 per square foot in its … Read more

Apple to open another 30 to 35 retail stores next year

Apple's retail empire is still expanding.

The company today said it plans to open another 30 to 35 retail stores during its 2013 fiscal year, which wraps up next September. About three-quarters of those stores would be located outside the United States, the company said.

The mention came inside the company's annual report, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this afternoon. Apple added that it plans to spend about $850 million on the expansion, as well as investment into its current retail infrastructure.

The plans fall in line with Apple's retail store … Read more

Apple to open yet another retail store in China

Apple will open another retail store in China on Saturday.

The company announced on its China Web site today that it will open a new store in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen on Saturday. The store will be open for business at 9 a.m. on Saturday to celebrate its grand opening. From then on, the store will open at 10 a.m. each day.

The Shenzhen location is the latest in a string of Apple stores to come to China. Earlier this month, Apple touted a new Beijing store in the Wangfujing district. At that event, Apple senior vice … Read more

Apple said to tap retail store staff for advice on iOS 6 Maps app

Rumor has it that Apple might be looking for some help on the iOS 6 Maps app from its retail store employees.

According to MacRumors, several unnamed sources have said that participating Apple stores are now allowing their staff to devote up to 40 hours per week collectively to reporting app errors and giving suggestions on how to improve Maps.

ifoAppleStore also posted the same news with a tweet that said, "So far it's voluntary: Apple retail store managers are asking store employees to report iOS 6 Maps app errors to help improve the database."

When Apple … Read more

Apple eyes India stores, but laws may hold it back

Apple's retail stores are expanding their footprint globally. But now, their move into India could be held back.

Earlier today, the Economic Times reported that Apple is currently considering opening stores in India. However, The Wall Street Journal reported today, citing sources, that the company is subject to a law that requires all foreign retailers to source 30 percent of their product sales from local companies. In other words, 30 percent of the products sold in the stores must have come from an Indian partner.

For Apple, that's a problem. The company currently relies on companies like Foxconn … Read more

Hong Kong gets second helping of Apple Store

Apple will open a second Hong Kong store later this week, the company has confirmed.

Apple's new retail store will be in Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. The store will hold its grand opening on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time. According to Apple's Hong Kong Web site, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time every day.

Reuters was first to report on the news.

The second help of Apple Store for Hong Kong comes as Apple is increasing its presence in and around China. CEO Tim Cook said … Read more