The indestructible Apple Store?

Apple opened its first brick-and-mortar stores in 2001 and hasn’t looked back since. Philip Michaels considers some of the reasons for Apple’s successful retail expansion.

The Lego Apple Store

Man, for all of the gadget lovin', excellent software, and community power floating around the Mac crowd, this is the real reason why I'm such a fan of the cult of Mac: someone loved the Apple Store enough to make a Lego version of it. Just awesome -- look at the little nanochromatic iPods, the touches and iPhones, the iMacs and even a Cinema for good measure. The only thing missing, really, is the black t-shirted Geniuses, complete with little credit card swipers so you don't have to go up to the counter.Really great. I don't know what kind of loyalty exists that would drive a person to recreate a retail space in Lego form, but I'm strangely glad it's out there somewhere. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Plano Texas Apple Store evacuated for bomb scare during iPhone launch

Well, the Plano Texas Apple Store has officially won the coveted 2008 “Worst iPhone Activation Experience” Award. While various Apple stores have all had their fair share of activation problems/server outages this morning, the launch at the Plano Texas Apple Store in particular deserves special mention. Faithful Macenstein reader Trish tells us that in addition [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Plano Texas Apple Store evacuated for bomb scare during iPhone launch", url: "http://macenstein.com/default/archives/1491" });

Apple Store back online, with changes

With the day's Apple news slowing down, the Apple store finally came back online after what seemed to be an eternity. We've been looking around and here are the changes that we found: New iPod nanos are now available for order and ship within 24 hours New iPod touches are available for order and ship within 1-3 business days New iPod classic is now available and ships within 24 hours New iPod shuffles are available and ship within 24 hours New in-ear headphones are not available and sport a "coming soon" message New earphones with remote/mic are "coming soon" as well That is all the newness that we spotted, be sure to leave a comment below (or send us a tip) if you spot something else. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Del Monte Apple Store to open this weekend

Section: Apple, Apple News, Retail & Apple StoreOur fellow California friends can start preparing to celebrate the opening of yet another Apple Store this weekend. On Saturday, August 9th at 10 AM you will now be able to get your favorite Apple products at the Del Monte Center in Monterey, California. As usual, this opening will come with the Genius Bar, One to One Lessons, and eventually helpful workshop tutorials (no workshops are scheduled yet). If you are still eagerly awaiting the opportunity to purchase an iPhone 3G, you may want to wait in line at the opening to see if you can get yours hands on one. There is no confirmation on the site of whether they will have stock, but I imagine they will. Head out to the store if you get a chance and take some pictures for us if you live around there. Let us know how it is! Via [Apple] Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple stores issue 'golden tickets' for iPhone 3G buyers

People are still lining up at Apple stores to pay iPhone 3G's. Clearly, people are crazy about Apple's new phone, but what is Apple doing to make it a little easier to get your hands on a shiny new iPhone? Our friends at iPhone Central note that Apple stores have new, extended hours to pack the people in. Apple stores are now opening at 8am, for you early rising iPhone seekers.Apple retail staffers will also be roaming the lines and prequalifing people for iPhone purchases. Once you've been prequalified you are issued a ticket that is good for an iPhone 3G. You can use the ticket right then and there (when it is your turn, of course) or return later in the day.Sounds like a pretty fair system to me. Have you stood in line for an iPhone lately? What do you think of Apple's new methods?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments