Source: Apple to build double-decker flagship in Montreal
Apple Inc. is finalizing plans for its first Canadian flagship shop, a spacious multi-story retail outlet to be located in the heart of Montreal, a source tells AppleInsider.
The Cupertino-based gadget maker is reported to have secured some 9,300 square feet of space along the 1300 block of Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest, where it plans to heavily alter -- but not raze -- an existing structure.
According to a set of initial design plans, the company has proposed that the ground floor of the building be raised and that existing column structures on the property be relocated. Plans also call for the building to receive a new roof and stainless steel facade.
On the interior, Apple's proposal calls for two stories of retail sales space to be joined by a trademark glass staircases, similar to the one found at its SoHo, New York and Regent Street, London locations.
Office space, a back-end stock room, and bathroom facilities will consume a portion of the 9,300 square feet, trimming the retail sales area to approximately 8,000 -- leaving the Montreal location a couple thousand square feet short of Apple's Manhattan-based shops.
Although Apple presently operates four retail locations in Canada, none of the stores are designated as flagship locations. Montreal would represent just the 10th high-profile location for Apple, joining its eight existing flagships spread across the U.S., U.K., and Japan, as well as a ninth under development in Manhattan's Meatpacking district.
Apple's flagship shops have been strategically placed in the world's most densely populated shopping districts and are conceived as projections of the Apple brand with their architecture and interior design. Each year, the company spends an undisclosed sum on marketing costs for the the high-profile locations, ranging up to $10 million.
Unexpected delays withstanding, Apple hopes to begin operating out of the Montreal location during the summer or early fall of next year, according to the source.
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
The Cupertino-based gadget maker is reported to have secured some 9,300 square feet of space along the 1300 block of Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest, where it plans to heavily alter -- but not raze -- an existing structure.
According to a set of initial design plans, the company has proposed that the ground floor of the building be raised and that existing column structures on the property be relocated. Plans also call for the building to receive a new roof and stainless steel facade.
On the interior, Apple's proposal calls for two stories of retail sales space to be joined by a trademark glass staircases, similar to the one found at its SoHo, New York and Regent Street, London locations.
Office space, a back-end stock room, and bathroom facilities will consume a portion of the 9,300 square feet, trimming the retail sales area to approximately 8,000 -- leaving the Montreal location a couple thousand square feet short of Apple's Manhattan-based shops.
Although Apple presently operates four retail locations in Canada, none of the stores are designated as flagship locations. Montreal would represent just the 10th high-profile location for Apple, joining its eight existing flagships spread across the U.S., U.K., and Japan, as well as a ninth under development in Manhattan's Meatpacking district.
Apple's flagship shops have been strategically placed in the world's most densely populated shopping districts and are conceived as projections of the Apple brand with their architecture and interior design. Each year, the company spends an undisclosed sum on marketing costs for the the high-profile locations, ranging up to $10 million.
Unexpected delays withstanding, Apple hopes to begin operating out of the Montreal location during the summer or early fall of next year, according to the source.
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
The site of Apple's future Motreal flagship retail store | Photo by Chris Erb
Comments
I've had a long standing investment rule...
When companies start building architectural monuments to themselves, its time to bail.
Usually this takes the form of enormous new executive headquarters, but the proliferation of Apple retail 'flagships' is starting to look similar.
Put the money in the products, guys.
Now THIS is starting to worry me.
I've had a long standing investment rule...
When companies start building architectural monuments to themselves, its time to bail.
Usually this takes the form of enormous new executive headquarters, but the proliferation of Apple retail 'flagships' is starting to look similar.
Put the money in the products, guys.
Uhm... what are you talking about? Apple builds some nice stores, that means "it's time to bail"?
Now that CompuSmart has closed its retail locations in Ottawa, I think it's time Ottawa got a real AppleStore. The Rideau Centre or Byward Market are good locations.
Now THIS is starting to worry me.
I've had a long standing investment rule...
When companies start building architectural monuments to themselves, its time to bail.
Usually this takes the form of enormous new executive headquarters, but the proliferation of Apple retail 'flagships' is starting to look similar.
Put the money in the products, guys.
Apple has plenty of cash lying around - I wouldn't worry that they're sacrificing R&D for architecture. I'm not sure why you're concerned about this...an attractive and attracting front-end to a product is extremely important. Apple continues to invest in image, which is a crucial piece of why they are what they are.
Still nothing.
Uhm... what are you talking about? Apple builds some nice stores, that means "it's time to bail"?
Now that CompuSmart has closed its retail locations in Ottawa, I think it's time Ottawa got a real AppleStore. The Rideau Centre or Byward Market are good locations.
Nah, not actually gonna bail. The difference actually is that these sites actually aren't executive self-monuments.
Seriously, when is Vancouver going to get an Apple Store? Montreal already has one!
You mean, 'will have one', since it still isn't built yet. I am sure Vancouver will get one eventually, though I am surprised, yet pleased that Montreal was chosen as the flagship location.
As to Ottawa, other than visiting the parliament building, I am not sure it is such a 'fashionable' attraction. Heck, when I asked where the shopping street was, I was pointed towards the Rideau center - not cool. I wouldn't be surprised if the the proximity to Crescent street is not a coincidence - think F1 Grand Prix, etc.
Seriously, when is Vancouver going to get an Apple Store? Montreal already has one!
I'm in Seattle, but we just had visitors from the North that hadn't seen an Apple Store. There are three Toronto stores and _ZERO_ Vancouver stores, what gives?
====================
Ikea is Swedish for Out of Stock
I'll be happy not to have to do a special trip (10 km) to go to their other store, which incidentally had received the aluminium iMac less than 48 hours after Steve presented them at the Special Event.
A nice flagship store in downtown Toronto is what Apple really needs. Or at least it would be nice for me...
====================
Ikea is Swedish for Out of Stock
Montreal makes more sense given that Toronto has become almost exclusively a financial centre with its artists incapable of surviving in its overpriced housing market. I love Toronto and chose to live here over Montreal but it seems to me that Montreal simply has a more vibrant artistic and imaginative life. There's a good reason why tourists no longer come to Toronto...
philip
You mean, 'will have one', since it still isn't built yet. I am sure Vancouver will get one eventually, though I am surprised, yet pleased that Montreal was chosen as the flagship location.
As to Ottawa, other than visiting the parliament building, I am not sure it is such a 'fashionable' attraction. Heck, when I asked where the shopping street was, I was pointed towards the Rideau center - not cool. I wouldn't be surprised if the the proximity to Crescent street is not a coincidence - think F1 Grand Prix, etc.
I find that too funny to hear, when I lived in Ottawa upon moving there the same exact thing happened to me. There are little gems, but basically you nailed it.
A nice flagship store in downtown Toronto is what Apple really needs. Or at least it would be nice for me...
====================
Ikea is Swedish for Out of Stock
It'd be nice for me too, they probably would have done that if they didn't already have the apple store in the eaton centre, we're not new york yet where they put like 5 flagship stores!
Side note I went to get one of the new keyboards on monday and they said they haven't got them in stock yet. WTF.
I'm kind of surprised Apple's taken so long to expand up here...and the first 3 stores were in Toronto. very odd.
trademark glass staircases, similar to the one found at its SoHo, New York and Regent Street, London locations.]
Don't forget San Francisco
It'd be nice for me too, they probably would have done that if they didn't already have the apple store in the eaton centre, we're not new york yet where they put like 5 flagship stores!
Side note I went to get one of the new keyboards on monday and they said they haven't got them in stock yet. WTF.
I called the local Apple store and was told that they do not have any machines in stock for sales. Just display models on the floor. The wireless keyboards are still not available and will most likely wait until Sept for it.