Why Tim and Chad are wrong about Apple’s retail stores:
Our primo podcasters visited their first ever Apple store not long ago, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and spoke about the experience in two subsequent podcasts. Their comments were based on limited experience and preconceived notions, and happen to be mostly wrong. Let’s set the record straight, so our MyMac.com readers don’t get an incorrect, biased idea concerning Apple’s Main Street and Mall Street retail operation.
The purposes (plural) of Apple Stores are:
SELLING PRODUCTS at retail prices, plus tax, with full-disclosure before and after transaction advice, from the mainstream catalog of Apple and third party manufacturers
SUPPORT AND TROUBLESHOOTING of all new and most older Apple products, via Genius Bar and back room techie staff members
TRAINING for new and experienced users, via formal scheduled presentations and private tutorial sessions that can be booked weekly by all ($100 per year) ProCare members (who can reserve Genius Bar appointments from home or office)
PROMOTION AND EDUCATION for the Apple and Windows communities, with frequent updates of products with a goal to improve sales and high-profile of Apple’s goodies
iPODS AND ACCESSORIES galore, all hands-on and ears-out
SPECIAL DEALS of refurbished and discontinued merchandise, plus cooperative promos on new equipment, especially with printer companies
BUSINESS DAYS for FileMaker Pro users and other heavy duty corporate clients
INTERNATIONAL STORE DIRECTORY (apple.com/retail), with links to every store for directions and updated monthly event calendars
FRIENDLY MEETING PLACE for local and visiting Macintoshers and possible switchers
ALL EQUIPMENT LIVE AND CONNECTED, so every person in any store can try the latest and greatest hardware/software/otherware for as long as they want, usually without restrictions (including email, and wireless access when you bring your own laptop)
ONE STOP LOCATION for professionals, tutors, and consultants to meet with clients on a pre-sales tour, or for doing research before/after seeing a client
I’ve been to many store locations, in Arizona, California, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and the experience is usually positive and often very much so. I urge Tim, Chad, and all of you to keep an open mind concerning the present and future of Apple’s retail business. It’s not perfect, but there’s nothing else like it, and I look forward to every opportunity for another minute or hour spent there.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I’m thankful we have an Apple Store here in sunny Tucson, Arizona. Hope to see you there next time you’re in the neighborhood.
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