Apple retail stores to host nationwide employee sleepover

[AppleInsider]

With iPhone line waiters and campers expected to congregate outside Apple Inc.'s retail stores on Thursday evening, the company has no plans to leave the outlets unattended, AppleInsider has learned.

People familiar with the matter say the Cupertino-based firm's retail division has called for the first ever Apple retail sleepover, in which staffers -- where store locations permit -- will spend Thursday evening nestled somewhere between the Genius Bars and stock rooms.

At most average size stores, the slumber party will reportedly consist of just two employees -- a store manager and one other staffer willing to bank some extra hours while snoozing.

As of publication time, retail management had not conveyed to the employees why they were being asked to spend the night inside the stores, though some speculated it's a security measure due to expectations of enhanced activity outside the locations during the early morning hours.

Come Friday morning, all Apple retail stores will open around 10:00 a.m. local time for a 4-hour stint. They'll then shutter for the same amount of time while prepping for the iPhone premiere, reopening at 6:00 p.m. local time with the gadgets for sale.

"We’ll open the doors again at 6:00 p.m., when you can be one of the first to see, try, and buy the iPhone," Apple said in a message posted on its retail website. "Be sure to arrive early -- iPhone is available on a first-come, first-served basis."

Apple also announced that it will open two new retail stores just in time for the iPhone's launch on Friday. The new stores will be located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Glendale, Wisconsin.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[BlackSummerNight]

I guess that will stop the break in's.

[audiopollution]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

I guess that will stop the break in's.

... or increase the casualties, per break-in.

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

People familiar with the matter say the Cupertino-based firm's retail division has called for the first ever Apple retail sleepover, in which staffers -- where store locations permit -- will spend Thursday evening nestled somewhere between the Genius Bars and stock rooms.

At most average size stores, the slumber party will reportedly consist of just two employees -- a store manager and one other staffer willing to bank some extra hours while snoozing.

Is it just me or does this sound like the makings of some geeky porno just waiting to happen?




Maybe it's just me.....

[fraklinc]

each store should have a couple of thousand units, so i dont think the lines will be more than a couple of hundred by 6 not to mention people are goin to buy them and run back home to activated, they might sleep over on friday to guard all that loop though

[Clive At Five]

If a riot begins outside an Apple Store and results in the breaking-in of several iPhone-crazed fanatics, I doubt 2 Apple Store employees will do much good. They may as well hire a rent-a-cop. At least they're allowed to have weapons, and can call for backup.

Ill-thought-out if you ask me.

-Clive

[BlackSummerNight]

I just saw on another Mac site, that they will be charging 99 cents to convert a MP3 to a ring tone.

[Cato988]

You have to remember folks, were mac fans... we have a bond and a brotherhood. We aren't like PC users, and with enough Mac addicts in one area, i have a feeling safety and goodwill prevail...

and if not, we can just kill the PC guys- they dont need an iPhone anyway

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

If a riot begins outside an Apple Store and results in the breaking-in of several iPhone-crazed fanatics, I doubt 2 Apple Store employees will do much good. They may as well hire a rent-a-cop. At least they're allowed to have weapons, and can call for backup.

Ill-thought-out if you ask me.

-Clive

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

I just saw on another Mac site, that they will be charging 99 cents to convert a MP3 to a ring tone.

Why would they have to do any kind of conversion? Can't the thing play an MP3 when a call comes in? I mean, it IS an iPod too after all.

[Cato988]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

I just saw on another Mac site, that they will be charging 99 cents to convert a MP3 to a ring tone.

Screw that... you can do that with garageband in about 2 minutes

[BlackSummerNight]

Hey, I'm just reporting what I saw. I'm sure it has something to do with the deal they cut with the record industry. I have a phone now that can play mp3's, but I have to convert a mp3 to another format in order to use it as a ring tone.

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

Why would they have to do any kind of conversion? Can't the thing play an MP3 when a call comes in? I mean, it IS an iPod too after all.

[BlackSummerNight]

I use audihijack to make my ring tones.

Originally Posted by Cato988

Screw that... you can do that with garageband in about 2 minutes

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by melgross

Yeah, it is.

Yeah right. Some kinky new smilies you've been using there Mel.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

Is it just me or does this sound like the makings of some geeky porno just waiting to happen?




Maybe it's just me.....

Yeah, it is.

[nagromme]

Jeez, hire security, don't make regular employees sleep in a fishbowl!

[melgross]

Originally Posted by nagromme

Jeez, hire security, don't make regular employees sleep in a fishbowl!

For time and a half, plenty would be happy.

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Come Friday morning, all Apple retail stores will open around 10:00 a.m. local time for a 4-hour stint. They'll then shutter for the same amount of time while prepping for the iPhone premiere, reopening at 6:00 p.m. local time with the gadgets for sale.

I'm curious how this will work in the many malls that Apple is in. Malls have very strict hours of operation that a store absolutely MUST be open for business. Shutting down in the middle of the day (or even opening the store late) can cause the company to be fined.

Do you think Apple has some deal worked out with all the malls or will the mall stores not close?

[CosmoNut]

This is a dumb idea.

[TBaggins]

If I were doing the 'sleepover', I'd dress like Wee Willy Winky and wave to the line outside.

Of course, that may scar some for life.



.

[alfonsog]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

I'm curious how this will work in the many malls that Apple is in. Malls have very strict hours of operation that a store absolutely MUST be open for business. Shutting down in the middle of the day (or even opening the store late) can cause the company to be fined.

Do you think Apple has some deal worked out with all the malls or will the mall stores not close?

Obviously you never have worked in a retail mall for long, but stores are allowed to close for inventory, special events, restroom breaks (if only one person is working), etc. Fines come into play when no one shows up to open the store when the mall opens.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

I'm curious how this will work in the many malls that Apple is in. Malls have very strict hours of operation that a store absolutely MUST be open for business. Shutting down in the middle of the day (or even opening the store late) can cause the company to be fined.

Do you think Apple has some deal worked out with all the malls or will the mall stores not close?

There was something about that. Apple worked it out.

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by alfonsog

Obviously you never have worked in a retail mall for long, but stores are allowed to close for inventory, special events, restroom breaks (if only one person is working), etc. Fines come into play when no one shows up to open the store when the mall opens.

It's been several years since I've worked in a mall, but when I did it was for about 3 years and I was an assistant manager, then manager of a nation-wide clothing chain. We were never allowed to close in the middle of the day, period. Inventory was ALWAYS done after hours, usually into the wee hours of the morning. Just as was any setting up for a special event.

[Guybrush Threepwood]

Unfortunately, most mall managers don't give The GAP any respect...

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood

Unfortunately, most mall managers don't give The GAP any respect...

Close, but it was another chain.

[bwik]

Geek porno, right on. Only 2 employees!! Hello!!!! I mean, come on.

[dstranathan]

Originally Posted by CosmoNut

This is a dumb idea.

Cosmo - Im in KC too. You going to the Plaza Apple Store location Friday PM to watch the insanity?

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

If a riot begins outside an Apple Store and results in the breaking-in of several iPhone-crazed fanatics, I doubt 2 Apple Store employees will do much good. They may as well hire a rent-a-cop. At least they're allowed to have weapons, and can call for backup.

Ill-thought-out if you ask me.

-Clive

Well, at least they'll have no trouble finding a phone to call 911.

[palex9]

lets see.... maybe 3 or so days 'guarding' the iphones, without a break of course...worst hair days ever, yellow teeth, B.O. of biohazard strength....


zombie buyers waiting for the doors to open:

[trevorlsciact]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

Is it just me or does this sound like the makings of some geeky porno just waiting to happen?




Maybe it's just me.....

Defiantly not just you, and I wonder how many boss-employee relationships are about to change? This has GOT to be a huge opportunity for some people (be it the apple people, or their lawyers)

[TitoC]

I believe some of the looting has already begun. Apple employees and a police officer
were reported to have armed themselves and are running away . . . . . . .




. . . but unfortunately one Apple employee was left behind in the attack.
iPhone zombies were eager to get heir hands on their new toy.
More news after the game.

[Eduardo]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

Is it just me or does this sound like the makings of some geeky porno just waiting to happen?




Maybe it's just me.....

I was thinking this too. People the next morning need to be watchful of any 'liquids' inside the store.

[CosmoNut]

Originally Posted by dstranathan

Cosmo - Im in KC too. You going to the Plaza Apple Store location Friday PM to watch the insanity?

Check your PM inbox.

[a_greer]

Anybody think there will be some iphone babies in March or so?

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

I'm curious how this will work in the many malls that Apple is in. Malls have very strict hours of operation that a store absolutely MUST be open for business. Shutting down in the middle of the day (or even opening the store late) can cause the company to be fined.

Do you think Apple has some deal worked out with all the malls or will the mall stores not close?

At the mall near me, I recall Nordstroms closed at 6pm mid-week to do inventory. So it is done, even with big stores.

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by Cato988

You have to remember folks, were mac fans... we have a bond and a brotherhood. We aren't like PC users, and with enough Mac addicts in one area, i have a feeling safety and goodwill prevail...

Yeah, keep that in mind when you're bludgeoned unconcious with a lead pipe. (And, I swear, it'll be an accident!).

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

I'm curious how this will work in the many malls that Apple is in. Malls have very strict hours of operation that a store absolutely MUST be open for business. Shutting down in the middle of the day (or even opening the store late) can cause the company to be fined.

Do you think Apple has some deal worked out with all the malls or will the mall stores not close?

At most, Apple just paid the associated fines, but I doubt this was the case. Being the most profitable retail chain per square foot must get you some allowances.

Plus, even though the placement of Apple Stores in malls certainly helped walk-in consumers see and feel a Mac for the first time, I think that Apple Stores are bringing new consumers to the malls. at least, that would be the angle I'd be pushing if I were Apple.

[Dale Sorel]

Originally Posted by melgross

Yeah, it is.

Thank you sir, may I have another