Apple Celebrates a Decade in Retail
A decade ago today, two retail stores opened in the US selling shiny white tech gadgets made by just one brand: Apple. Today, the two stores in McLean, Virginia and Glendale, California have skyrocketed to more than 300.
When Apple announced in 2001 it will open 25 stores throughout the year, critics thought the company wouldn’t survive in the retail environment. Fast-forward 10 years later and those same critics were silenced as Apple pocketed in 2010 about US$3.2 billion—13% of Apple’s total sales, reports CNN.
The Cupertino company plans on adding another 40 new stores—three-quarters outside the US—this year, according to USA Today.
Apple fans have been known to queue throughout the night in eager anticipation of new product releases—and some have even profited from it. In March this year, when Apple launched its iPad 2, college student Amanda Foote sold her spot at the head of the queue outside Apple’s flagship in New York for US$900.
Although Apple has yet to release an official statement on the anniversary, there have been countless rumors on the web on a possible new release or retail revamp.
Apple Insider posted a sneak peak into the overhaul, which had each retail store being stocked with multiple iPads for staffers’ “on-the-job use”.
[via CNN]
"Give me a hard copy right there." - Blade Runner
Typographic print inspired by the movie 'Blade Runner'
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