I am hoping that post-Ahrendts, the Apple Stores improve. ... Basically, Apple stores, no matter how beautiful, have to get back to serving the customer rather than selling product. (It's possible to do both!)
Wow, crazy story.
Yes, both can be done, and they used to do it. That's before the 'suits' start trying to 'optimize' the $ though. When Apple Stores first started, they were trying to create, I think, and overall experience that was Apple-like. Now, they seem to be trying to create a superficial experience with all the typical corporate-store baloney just below the surface.
It's good to have a proper place to take things in, or even buy something. But, I'd never send an unsuspecting friend or family member there to figure out what to buy. (I would have years ago.)
However, the main entrance of the new location is not at the main shopping street Bahnhofstrasse but at the side road Rennweg which is less frequented, so occasional customers may not see the new location when walking alongside the Bahnhofstrasse.
I was at the Zurich Apple Store three days ago. It still has the original (old) design. The new location around the corner is larger and will no doubt have the new design.
I am thinking that Apple Stores reopening may have as much to do with iPhone releases as anything:
My Apple Store is open but not actually accessible: most of their staff is outside of the store. If you want to buy something they will run inside and bring it out to you and make the sale outside of the store. If you need something repaired, they tell you to come back in a week. While there are customers in the store, it's not clear on what the password is to gain admittance -- they are firm and clear that no browsing is allowed.
That would not be a good way to roll out a new product.
It's much appreciated that they are strictly obeying safety restrictions. But, at the same time, shoppers like to shop. Right now shopping online is the better choice.
I am thinking that Apple Stores reopening may have as much to do with iPhone releases as anything:
My Apple Store is open but not actually accessible: most of their staff is outside of the store. If you want to buy something they will run inside and bring it out to you and make the sale outside of the store. If you need something repaired, they tell you to come back in a week. While there are customers in the store, it's not clear on what the password is to gain admittance -- they are firm and clear that no browsing is allowed.
That would not be a good way to roll out a new product.
It's much appreciated that they are strictly obeying safety restrictions. But, at the same time, shoppers like to shop. Right now shopping online is the better choice.
It's stupid if you want my opinion. If you go into a dozen different stores, you'll find a dozen different Covid safety policies and procedures. It doesn't seem to be making any detectable difference. I just saw a study out of Sweden/Norway that looked at normal school vs canceled school, and they couldn't find any statistically significant difference either, to the kids, their families, or the teachers.
The most interesting aspect to the differences, is that the more boutique and speciality, the more 'clean-room' and scared the policies, whereas the 'essential business' type grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations are pretty much operating normally besides a piece of plexiglass at the counter.
I am thinking that Apple Stores reopening may have as much to do with iPhone releases as anything:
My Apple Store is open but not actually accessible: most of their staff is outside of the store. If you want to buy something they will run inside and bring it out to you and make the sale outside of the store. If you need something repaired, they tell you to come back in a week. While there are customers in the store, it's not clear on what the password is to gain admittance -- they are firm and clear that no browsing is allowed.
That would not be a good way to roll out a new product.
It's much appreciated that they are strictly obeying safety restrictions. But, at the same time, shoppers like to shop. Right now shopping online is the better choice.
It's stupid if you want my opinion. If you go into a dozen different stores, you'll find a dozen different Covid safety policies and procedures. It doesn't seem to be making any detectable difference. I just saw a study out of Sweden/Norway that looked at normal school vs canceled school, and they couldn't find any statistically significant difference either, to the kids, their families, or the teachers.
The most interesting aspect to the differences, is that the more boutique and speciality, the more 'clean-room' and scared the policies, whereas the 'essential business' type grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations are pretty much operating normally besides a piece of plexiglass at the counter.
While Swedon is not a particularly good example, things could be done better than effectively just shutting the stores down. While there were people in the stores, it wasn't clear how they got in while 80-90% of the traffic was handled outside of the store or pushed off to Walmarts & such or to Apple's online system. What was particularly perplexing was why it suddenly takes a week or more to get an appointment for a repair as simple as replacing an Airpod. Did the geniuses / technicians all suddenly disappear?
GeorgeBMac said: While Swedon is not a particularly good example, things could be done better than effectively just shutting the stores down. While there were people in the stores, it wasn't clear how they got in while 80-90% of the traffic was handled outside of the store or pushed off to Walmarts & such or to Apple's online system. What was particularly perplexing was why it suddenly takes a week or more to get an appointment for a repair as simple as replacing an Airpod. Did the geniuses / technicians all suddenly disappear?
I'm sure all this stuff has caused huge disruptions to them in various ways, but that seems kind of excessive.
But, I especially like the inconsistencies between say, Walmart (and similar) vs shops like Apple (or clothing stores) vs small businesses. Apparently the virus doesn't visit Walmart too much for some reason, but prefers small businesses and speciality shops.
Comments
Yes, both can be done, and they used to do it. That's before the 'suits' start trying to 'optimize' the $ though. When Apple Stores first started, they were trying to create, I think, and overall experience that was Apple-like. Now, they seem to be trying to create a superficial experience with all the typical corporate-store baloney just below the surface.
It's good to have a proper place to take things in, or even buy something. But, I'd never send an unsuspecting friend or family member there to figure out what to buy. (I would have years ago.)
Miranda is chosen as my closest store, except there are no direct roads and there is an artillery range between us.
The most interesting aspect to the differences, is that the more boutique and speciality, the more 'clean-room' and scared the policies, whereas the 'essential business' type grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations are pretty much operating normally besides a piece of plexiglass at the counter.
While Swedon is not a particularly good example, things could be done better than effectively just shutting the stores down. While there were people in the stores, it wasn't clear how they got in while 80-90% of the traffic was handled outside of the store or pushed off to Walmarts & such or to Apple's online system. What was particularly perplexing was why it suddenly takes a week or more to get an appointment for a repair as simple as replacing an Airpod. Did the geniuses / technicians all suddenly disappear?
But, I especially like the inconsistencies between say, Walmart (and similar) vs shops like Apple (or clothing stores) vs small businesses. Apparently the virus doesn't visit Walmart too much for some reason, but prefers small businesses and speciality shops.