Video shows Berlin Apple Store opening to throngs of customers
The first Apple Store in Germany's capital of Berlin opened on Friday local time, as thousands of fans queued up to be one of the first get inside the company's latest flagship retail location.
AppleInsider reader Nico was there for the unveiling, and posted a couple videos to YouTube showing Apple Store employees filing into the new store before letting in the massive crowd awaiting entry outside.
Looking closely at the footage, it appears Apple was also recording the festivities and was set up near the store's entrance with what looks to be a "pro-am" Canon rig.
Besides the blaring music and ceremonial cheering from Apple staff, the Berlin outlet unsurprisingly looks to be much the same as the company's other stores worldwide. In keeping with Apple's strict aesthetic, display hardware is aligned on wooden tables in the center of the floor, with desktops flanking the walls, while accessories and peripherals are positioned to the rear.
As reported on Thursday, one of the location's highlights is a 360-degree Genius Bar, an interesting change from the single or double counter arrangement usually seen in Apple Stores.
The Berlin Apple Store is located in the city's most expensive shopping district of Kurfuerstendamm, drawing in locals and tourists alike. To handle the expectedly huge influx of customers, some 200 employees are on hand at the store, with 12 different languages spoken between them.
AppleInsider reader Nico was there for the unveiling, and posted a couple videos to YouTube showing Apple Store employees filing into the new store before letting in the massive crowd awaiting entry outside.
Looking closely at the footage, it appears Apple was also recording the festivities and was set up near the store's entrance with what looks to be a "pro-am" Canon rig.
Besides the blaring music and ceremonial cheering from Apple staff, the Berlin outlet unsurprisingly looks to be much the same as the company's other stores worldwide. In keeping with Apple's strict aesthetic, display hardware is aligned on wooden tables in the center of the floor, with desktops flanking the walls, while accessories and peripherals are positioned to the rear.
As reported on Thursday, one of the location's highlights is a 360-degree Genius Bar, an interesting change from the single or double counter arrangement usually seen in Apple Stores.
The Berlin Apple Store is located in the city's most expensive shopping district of Kurfuerstendamm, drawing in locals and tourists alike. To handle the expectedly huge influx of customers, some 200 employees are on hand at the store, with 12 different languages spoken between them.
Comments
Numbers, AI, numbers. How many visited on Day 1?
Woz wasn't there. He was attending a Samsung ribbon cutting at a pushcart in the alley behind the Apple store. He said the large screen on the new Sansung phone makes him look thinner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Macky the Macky
Woz wasn't there. He was attending a Samsung ribbon cutting at a pushcart in the alley behind the Apple store. He said the large screen on the new Sansung phone makes him look thinner.
Shouldn't your name be Macky the Tacky instead?
The cheering, high fives, and excited atmosphere is starting to feel somewhat manufactured. It would be nice to see Apple employees just lined up and greeting people with hello's and handshakes. I don't know, anything different would be a nice sign of authenticity.
An iMac and a TV with Apple TV
Uh, no. Microsoft Store employees lamely line dancing like they give a rats ass about Microsoft is manufactured.
I have waited in line to get into an Apple Store launch, and the emotions are genuine and spontaneous. It was fun, not manufactured. There's no movie director off to the side telling us to look excited.
No matter what they did it'd be manufactured. It's a store with employees who are paid to work there and told what to do. I have always cringed at these videos. So much so I fact that I'd avoid an opening in my own City, despite how desperately I'm waiting for even a store in my country.
Quote:
Originally Posted by am8449
At this point, I wish Apple Store openings & product launches didn't all look and feel the same.
The cheering, high fives, and excited atmosphere is starting to feel somewhat manufactured. It would be nice to see Apple employees just lined up and greeting people with hello's and handshakes. I don't know, anything different would be a nice sign of authenticity.
It is somewhat manufactured, but its also brilliance on Apple's part. Watching the video reminded me of buying my 3GS on launch day in NYC. After waiting in line they open the doors and have an outrageous number of employees cheering and clapping. It makes their customers feel like they are celebrities and part of a team rather than going in to buy a piece of consumer electronics. Their culture is a big part of their customer loyalty, combined with their great products.
Sorry
Quote:
Originally Posted by CharliePotatoes
Went to Apple Store the other day. The Converse tennis shoes, scruffy breards, miss fitting jeans, and sweaty T-shirts are getting a little old. How about a start in a dress code. Maybe a 1960s Frat boy look. Black loafers and button down collars with freshly scrubed faces. Apple devices are sharp so why not the staff.
Ha! Good one. Have you seen how Apple upper management dresses?
Originally Posted by CharliePotatoes
Black loafers and button down collars with freshly scrubed faces.
Stuffy nonsense, poorly representing Apple.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
No matter what they did it'd be manufactured. It's a store with employees who are paid to work there and told what to do. I have always cringed at these videos. So much so I fact that I'd avoid an opening in my own City, despite how desperately I'm waiting for even a store in my country.
I feel exactly the same way.