Photos reveal spacious interior of second Paris Apple store

[AppleInsider]

(ifoAppleStore) While Apple's first planned retail out in Paris was recently revealed as a window-less underground cavern, a second location under construction near the city’s Opera House is shaping up to be amongst the company's most impressive shops yet.

The location at 12, Rue Halévy comprises a light-filled, soaring interior space tucked behind arched windows, all facing onto an unusually large intersection that provides a view of the façade from many angles.

A large posting on the exterior of the building notes that a building permit was issued February 23rd for the reconstruction of a “hotel and shop,” the latter space of which is confirmed to have been leased by Apple. The project stretches some 81,300 square-feet on a 13,200 square-foot lot, according to the permit.

A*panoramic photo of the interior of the future Apple shop is available, showing the use of protective materials on the walls and columns during the ongoing construction process. You can also check out the intersection outside the store using Google Streetview.

The Apple store will occupy the right two-thirds of the 112-foot building’s ground level, or address #12 -- a space defined by the five left-most arches in the first photo, below. For photos of the cavernous space under construction as the site of Paris' first Apple store, please see this earlier report.















Gary Allen is the creator and author of ifo Apple Store, which provides close watch of Apple's retail initiative. When Gary isn't busy publishing news and information on Apple's latest retail stores, he finds himself hanging out at one.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[teckstud]

but would we expect anything less from the French?
Will they also offer cafe and croissant along with that MacBook?

[iVlad]

Im glad Apple is preserving the top of the columns and outside of the building.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by iVlad

Im glad Apple is preserving the top of the columns and outside of the building.

I'm sure it's the French dictating any design changes on the exterior. That building looks historic.

[Madple]

This space looks very impressive. Is there any more information on an Apple store at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa? There seems to be one space, all covered in black boarding, on the second level that might be it. Any ideas on an opening date? I am dying to go in a buy something, and use the Genious bar once it is open.

[8CoreWhore]

Wow... that's going to be sweet! BTW... their bottled water was actually very inexpensive over there... the importers here jack it up.

[15inchbrich]

Gary posted that so like 5 days ago

[bwik]

Microsoft has enough money to do things like this, but they don't, do they.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by bwik

Microsoft has enough money to do things like this, but they don't, do they.

Of course they have the money, but why would they? A store only for Zunes, Xboxes and their software doesn't seem like a viable retail operation to me.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Of course they have the money, but why would they? A store only for Zunes, Xboxes and their software doesn't seem like a viable retail operation to me.

Once again you are so wrong. They are a software maker by large - not an electronics maker. The only other comparitive is SOny Style and Samsung stores. Even then Apple is in a league of its own.

[randythot]

Wish that store were in my neighborhood!
Too bad the U.S. will be seen slower store introductions.

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by teckstud

That building looks historic.

it's a rather typical Parisian (Hausmannian) building, in fact.

[ajmas]

Originally Posted by bwik

Microsoft has enough money to do things like this, but they don't, do they.

I am not sure what sort of lifestyle message would present in such a store? It makes more sense for companies such as Sony to do something equivalent. I think in many ways Microsoft needs to work on its image before it can have a chance with a branded store.

[djames42]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

The location at 12, Rue Halévy comprises a light-filled, soaring interior space tucked behind arched windows, all facing onto an unusually large intersection that provides a view of the façade from many angles.

Makes sense really. Anyone who's done any shopping in Paris has undoubtedly noticed the vast amount of open, unused space in the shops. It's a very nice contrast to the "cram sellable items into every square foot" here in the states.

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by ajmas

I am not sure what sort of lifestyle message would present in such a store? It makes more sense for companies such as Sony to do something equivalent. I think in many ways Microsoft needs to work on its image before it can have a chance with a branded store.

Exactly, Sony or Nokia are much better examples of candidates for similar brand stores.

By the way, Nokia already have one such store in London, just opposite the Apple Store on Regent ) Any Nokia stores in the U.S.?

[DGNR8]

They could do it if it was done right.

They could bring in vendors like Dell's Alien Ware and other high end MFG and put them in the best possible light and not 10 million configurations just the most popular with dedicated people to help like Apple has.

Near the back of the store they could put the bargain basement PC's.

I think if they were to do Adobe and the like type class sessions they would give a nice step in the right direction.

Then they could offer demo's into prototypes and future products.

They could have XBox Game Gallery were you can test games before you buy them.

There is so much they could do If they would just really think it thru.

I am not a Windows guy but I could design a store that could be a success or a least get them in the right direction.

Apple has nailed the business model down to where it can work if you just follow the example.

It is on how you present what your are offering.

I mean have you ever really stopped and looked an Apple store?

There is not really that much there but how it presented is incredible and thats what makes it a success.

Just my little opinion...

[Rot'nApple]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I'm sure it's the French dictating any design changes on the exterior. That building looks historic.

That French building interior kinda looks like the interior of Steve's house he wants demo'ed.

Maybe Steve should just sell his home to Apple and have it rebuilt into an Apple Store and call it the Paris Apple Store on the West Coast of America!

That Paris store looks like it will be a pretty nice place. Too bad I'll never get to see it.

It's just as well tho', according to Obummer, all I could say is "Merci Beaucoup"!

[city]

Originally Posted by nasdarq

Exactly, Sony or Nokia are much better examples of candidates for similar brand stores.

By the way, Nokia already have one such store in London, just opposite the Apple Store on Regent ) Any Nokia stores in the U.S.?

Nokia has some smallish U.S. cell phone stores big cities like New York..

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by bwik

Microsoft has enough money to do things like this, but they don't, do they.

Originally Posted by solipsism

Of course they have the money, but why would they? A store only for Zunes, Xboxes and their software doesn't seem like a viable retail operation to me.

Originally Posted by teckstud

Once again you are so wrong. They are a software maker by large - not an electronics maker. The only other comparitive is SOny Style and Samsung stores. Even then Apple is in a league of its own.

I don't expect someone who doesn't know what a continent is to have adequate reading comprehension, but perhaps you should re-read my post where you say I'm "wrong" but then agree with me that MS stores wouldn't work.

[macnyc]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I don't expect someone who doesn't know what a continent is to have adequate reading comprehension, but perhaps you should re-read my post where you say I'm "wrong" but then agree with me that MS stores wouldn't work.

Don Quixote! The windmills!

[macnyc]

Originally Posted by djames42

Makes sense really. Anyone who's done any shopping in Paris has undoubtedly noticed the vast amount of open, unused space in the shops. It's a very nice contrast to the "cram sellable items into every square foot" here in the states.

Having lived in France for many years I'm not sure what you're talking about. Maybe we shop in different stores.

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by Rot'nApple

That French building interior kinda looks like the interior of Steve's house he wants demo'ed.

Maybe Steve should just sell his home to Apple and have it rebuilt into an Apple Store and call it the Paris Apple Store on the West Coast of America!

That Paris store looks like it will be a pretty nice place. Too bad I'll never get to see it.

It's just as well tho', according to Obummer, all I could say is "Merci Beaucoup"!

Why never? You think they ban rednecks in Europe?

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I don't expect someone who doesn't know what a continent is to have adequate reading comprehension

lol, solipsism, great sarcasm ...

[SpamSandwich]

Looks like it'll make a nice store interior eventually... looking forward to the cozy little café next to the Genius Bar.

[Adjei]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Of course they have the money, but why would they? A store only for Zunes, Xboxes and their software doesn't seem like a viable retail operation to me.

Weren't there some rumours about them building one.

[jeffharris]

Right across from the Garnier Opera!
I was there a couple of years ago (to see Salvatore Sciarrino's "Da gelo a gelo") and it's a perfect location.

Apple should celebrate by finally putting out an iPod ad for people who listen to classical music!

I vote for some air conducting (c'mon, we've all done it! ) to Mahler or Shostakovich... better yet, some Berlioz in honor of the new store!

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by macnyc

Having lived in France for many years I'm not sure what you're talking about. Maybe we shop in different stores.

I think he meant that, for instance, Galeries Lafayette next to Opera have much more interior space than Macy's, for instance. But it's to do with the architecture rather than everything else - the French did not build (in the 19th century) for a quick buck - they built for style in the first place. That's what makes Paris what is Paris.

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

Looks like it'll make a nice store interior eventually... looking forward to the cozy little café next to the Genius Bar.

there is a very nice Starbucks next to there already

[christopher126]

Originally Posted by iStink

They sell us overpriced bottled water, we sell them overpriced computers

(that was a joke. do not get upset.)

We already gave them the greatest gift a country can give another country....EuroDisney!

[nasdarq]

Originally Posted by christopher126

We already gave them the greatest gift a country can give another country....EuroDisney!

Amen to that! Even though McDonalds is almost on par, I think, as the ultimate gift. Especially to a food-loving country ...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by christopher126

We already gave them the greatest gift a country can give another country....EuroDisney!

They give us the Statue of Liberty we give them EuroDismey? Doesn't seem fair. Just think of how different the US would be if the Louisiana Purchase didn't happen.

Speaking of the French, here are some Parkour videos...

• Compilation
• "District 13" clip from writer/director Luc Besson
• "Top Gear clip Peugeot vs. free runners

Who else but the French would perfect the art of running away? (just joking)

[djames42]

Originally Posted by macnyc

Having lived in France for many years I'm not sure what you're talking about. Maybe we shop in different stores.

Clearly you'd know better than I, as my Francophile experience was limited to about 3.5 days in Paris. However, I seem to recall that the vast majority of clothing stores I saw had a lot of open space, especially when compared to the relatively jammed stores around here.

[Fast Fred 1]

Originally Posted by teckstud

but would we expect anything less from the French?
Will they also offer cafe and croissant along with that MacBook?

Yeah, and where's the Cheese Counter?

[bobertoq]

What the hell? Has anyone seen my Apple Store?!

It's tiny!

[Marktrek]

I think this location would look great with the beams and ornamentation. I hope that Apple doesn't just put in a drop ceiling and lose the architecture.

Unfortunately corporate America is happy with cookie-cutter designs. Everything looks the same. It is one thing to have a standard look. Another to be so alike that it becomes boring. I think that Apple should try to do something at every store to make it unique. Even if it just something small. Maybe have the floors made of a local stone. perhaps just one piece at the entrance. Or maybe use screen backgrounds of local historical or natural scenic views. How about a computer set up to show movies made at local schools or sporting events. (Hey, this is what can be done with iMovie.) Maybe a map of the country or state behind the Genius Bar with an Apple symbol at the store location.

But do something, anything so the stores do not just look all the same. Now every where you go, everything is the same. It is called Generica. Everything is generically the same. The last thing that Apple should do is be boring.

Apple is doing a great job. Keep up the good work. But just because you are successful doesn't mean that you don't keep looking at new ideas.

[grayum]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I'm sure it's the French dictating any design changes on the exterior. That building looks historic.

The whole city is historic!

[Sipadan]

Originally Posted by djames42

Clearly you'd know better than I, as my Francophile experience was limited to about 3.5 days in Paris. However, I seem to recall that the vast majority of clothing stores I saw had a lot of open space, especially when compared to the relatively jammed stores around here.

Actually you are both correct

The difference is this: in France the floor space usage isn't rationalized like in the US. In most clothing stores in the US the alleys between displays are dimensioned precisely to allow somewhat 2 people or somewhat to pass. Which means the whole retail floor usage is managed with the products in mind.

In France it doesn't go that way. Displays are put wherever they fit and are accessible. I know managers in Celio that don't have everything on display at all times because (quote) it's "feel too crowded".

So yeah the stores in Paris "feel" less jammed even though they can be must smaller than stores in the states.. It's all about what the floor usage is thought for.

[docyoast]

Originally Posted by nasdarq

it's a rather typical Parisian (Hausmannian) building, in fact.

Exactly. Not what Parisians would call historic; the medieval Paris was demolished mid 19th century to give Parisians access to running water and sewerage. Parts of historic Paris can still be found in Le Marais and Quartier Latin.

[ncee]

Originally Posted by randythot

Wish that store were in my neighborhood!
Too bad the U.S. will be seen slower store introductions.

Unless you can convince them to open them up in smaller states / smaller market areas / or next door to an already opened Apple store -

I don't think the slow down is because of the economy as much as it is because Apple is having a hard time finding locations they deem worthy

Yes I know there are some areas that could use a store, and it would likely do quite well, but is it up-scale enough for a fancy Apple store?

- One that get them a ton of press for opening?

- One that will get them a ton of press for considering building?

- One that would get them a ton of press for considering rehabbing that building (it is an old building after-all)?

- One that will get them a ton of press for pissing off all of the town fathers for considering building in that area?

They are opening stores in smaller areas, just with much less fan-fare, and we all know, that doesn't do Apple or Steve any good, or at least not as much good as they like.

Hell Apple could have built 20-50 more stores then they did, in areas with reasonable lease rates, or better yet, they could have BUILT stores for MUCH less they are are paying for some of the lease spaces. Buy it WOULD NOT have providing the press or face time Apple has gotten for building where they did. Now is that a good thing or a bad thing … you tell me.

Skip

[djames42]

Originally Posted by bobertoq

What the hell? Has anyone seen my Apple Store?!

It's tiny!

Hey, I'm just happy to have one up here! (Yes, it's Alderwood - I recognise the frozen yogurt place to the right. It's yummy)