The first thing she needs to do is bring back the check out line. It is unbelievably inefficient to drop by an Apple store for simple purchases. For example try stopping by an Apple store to buy a new iPhone USB cable. Frankly I avoid Apples stores unless I really really need something and don't want to go online for it.
"Flat" retail operations? This headline is deliberately misleading. Sales per square foot are still solid and beat almost every retail operation on the planet.
Sales are flat in the financial sense, as Apple Retail made slightly less money QoQ despite having 21 more stores open. That's actually a significant decrease per store, and quite understandable given that Apple hasn't had a dedicated retail head for a year and a half, nor a good one since Johnson left in 2011, taking several executives with him. It's been on autopilot for 2.5 years!
Sales are flat in the financial sense, as Apple Retail made slightly less money QoQ despite having 21 more stores open. That's actually a significant decrease per store, and quite understandable given that Apple hasn't had a dedicated retail head for a year and a half, nor a good one since Johnson left in 2011, taking several executives with him. It's been on autopilot for 2.5 years!
I'd chalk it up to seasonality and the fact that every man, woman and child is aware of Apple's anticipated product releases these days.
I really hope Apple / Angie's primary goal is not to make the stores more profitable (I am sure it is not). There really is no need, they are already the most profitable retail spaces in the world. I am sure her task will be far more strategic, and also to re-imagine (don't you just hate that term, by now?) the Apple retail experience for the next decade. I have to say you've got to be brave to take that on considering how well everything is working right now. But the retail stores could definitely do with a bit of a re-think / update.
Browett went at his task completely wrong by trying to make the stores more profitable. I doubt anyone at Apple would be the slightest bit impressed had he succeeded. It would immediately beg the question (I think everybody here asked it) - 'at what cost?'.
Angela will not be a another Browett, all you have to do is listen to her speak to know that. Whether she will succeed at whatever she does is another question. I truly hope she will and that she will be around for a log time.
I did watch an interview of her from her "old" job. I was very impressed with her mannerisms, clarity of thought, and the way she views the market. Great gal. I'm hoping she brings a fresh perspective for Apple. The stores are crazy profitable right now, but one has to always keep things polished to keep them shining.
I did watch an interview of her from her "old" job. I was very impressed with her mannerisms, clarity of thought, and the way she views the market. Great gal. I'm hoping she brings a fresh perspective for Apple. The stores are crazy profitable right now, but one has to always keep things polished to keep them shining. :)
Just no tartan pattern shirts on the geniuses, please.
Apple Stores are nice, but they are still colder than some other stores, simply because they are about tech. They could be a little 'sexier' and even less intimidating for non-tech-savvy people.
On the contrary: the more intimidating the better. The fewer people there are when I visit, the more pleasant the experience. Maybe they should introduce a quiet hour, where for a fee, you get to browse the shop with just a few people. Problem is, the fee would be astronomical to make up for the lost profits.
I agree but I don't see what she or anyone else can do to increase sales in Apple Stores other than to introduce new and exciting products which she has zero control over.
The first thing she needs to do is bring back the check out line. It is unbelievably inefficient to drop by an Apple store for simple purchases. For example try stopping by an Apple store to buy a new iPhone USB cable. Frankly I avoid Apples stores unless I really really need something and don't want to go online for it.
You're doing it wrong. Apple shops are the most efficient I've ever shopped in-you don't need to queue at all. Just use the iPhone app and you can be in and out in a zip.
So, New Zealand? There's an Apple store in every tinpot Aussie state capital, but in our nation the size of NSW, not one. Angela, come on! Get us out of the clutches of Apple Australia!
"Flat" retail operations? This headline is deliberately misleading. Sales per square foot are still solid and beat almost every retail operation on the planet.
Yep, a plateau atop the highest mountain there is, not too shabby..
So, New Zealand? There's an Apple store in every tinpot Aussie state capital, but in our nation the size of NSW, not one. Angela, come on! Get us out of the clutches of Apple Australia!
Sorry, I know it shouldn't have as you are being serious on a serious point, but your description of the great land of Oz next door made me smile ... I had this instant image of Crocodile Dundee with an Apple Store, in some windswept outback wilderness, looking at a new Mac Pro and saying .... "Now that's a computer!'
I did watch an interview of her from her "old" job. I was very impressed with her mannerisms, clarity of thought, and the way she views the market. Great gal. I'm hoping she brings a fresh perspective for Apple. The stores are crazy profitable right now, but one has to always keep things polished to keep them shining. :)
I hope she's allowed to just do her job. She was hired to run retail. Not be Apple's spokesperson, or product designer or marketer. Besides there's plenty to do on the retail side. Apple retail is basically the same as it was when it launched. In the retail space you have to keep reinventing yourself. I'm very interested to see what her vision is for retail and online stores. Having someone like her on board sure has to be a morale booster for retail employees.
The first thing she needs to do is bring back the check out line. It is unbelievably inefficient to drop by an Apple store for simple purchases. For example try stopping by an Apple store to buy a new iPhone USB cable. Frankly I avoid Apples stores unless I really really need something and don't want to go online for it.
Apple Stores are nice, but they are still colder than some other stores, simply because they are about tech. They could be a little 'sexier' and even less intimidating for non-tech-savvy people.
If I was a sarcastic person I would point out they're the world's leading consumer tech company. However, it is a valid point, one that I don't agree with. I think a big part of the Apple "brand" is it's clean, high quality, tightly focused product line and consumer experience, something the stores deliver beautifully. What some might consider boring, most Apple customers consider a reflection of this Apple philosophy/approach.
Apple Retail needs to balance speed with user experience.
If you have a problem with your Apple device a Genius Bar that is on time and effective is going to have a happy customer leaving.
People walking in looking for products want clarity. Apple stores have improved over the years in this arena. Gone are the stations with microphones and keyboards that few people knew how to operate.
As devices get smaller (read wearables) Apple's stores will have to adapt. How can they show me an iWatch without risking hundreds being stolen off a shelf or from a table a year?
How can they make it easier for me to place an order from my phone and have it ready as I walk through the front door?
How can they offer me training that I can get value from without me disturbing or being disturbed by others?
You could look into her background before posting nonsense.
What is there to know?, I don't care about her past, while at Apple she had better, DO NO HARM! The last person (fellow Brit) from Dixon's failed. JACKASS.
Comments
"Flat" retail operations? This headline is deliberately misleading. Sales per square foot are still solid and beat almost every retail operation on the planet.
Sales are flat in the financial sense, as Apple Retail made slightly less money QoQ despite having 21 more stores open. That's actually a significant decrease per store, and quite understandable given that Apple hasn't had a dedicated retail head for a year and a half, nor a good one since Johnson left in 2011, taking several executives with him. It's been on autopilot for 2.5 years!
I'd chalk it up to seasonality and the fact that every man, woman and child is aware of Apple's anticipated product releases these days.
I really hope Apple / Angie's primary goal is not to make the stores more profitable (I am sure it is not). There really is no need, they are already the most profitable retail spaces in the world. I am sure her task will be far more strategic, and also to re-imagine (don't you just hate that term, by now?) the Apple retail experience for the next decade. I have to say you've got to be brave to take that on considering how well everything is working right now. But the retail stores could definitely do with a bit of a re-think / update.
Browett went at his task completely wrong by trying to make the stores more profitable. I doubt anyone at Apple would be the slightest bit impressed had he succeeded. It would immediately beg the question (I think everybody here asked it) - 'at what cost?'.
Angela will not be a another Browett, all you have to do is listen to her speak to know that. Whether she will succeed at whatever she does is another question. I truly hope she will and that she will be around for a log time.
I did watch an interview of her from her "old" job. I was very impressed with her mannerisms, clarity of thought, and the way she views the market. Great gal. I'm hoping she brings a fresh perspective for Apple. The stores are crazy profitable right now, but one has to always keep things polished to keep them shining.
Just no tartan pattern shirts on the geniuses, please.
On the contrary: the more intimidating the better. The fewer people there are when I visit, the more pleasant the experience. Maybe they should introduce a quiet hour, where for a fee, you get to browse the shop with just a few people. Problem is, the fee would be astronomical to make up for the lost profits.
You'd be surprised. Retail is a dark art.
You're doing it wrong. Apple shops are the most efficient I've ever shopped in-you don't need to queue at all. Just use the iPhone app and you can be in and out in a zip.
Yep, a plateau atop the highest mountain there is, not too shabby..
Sorry, I know it shouldn't have as you are being serious on a serious point, but your description of the great land of Oz next door made me smile ... I had this instant image of Crocodile Dundee with an Apple Store, in some windswept outback wilderness, looking at a new Mac Pro and saying .... "Now that's a computer!'
Ah, "Polishing", the cutesy apple references just never get old do they?
The first thing she needs to do is bring back the check out line. It is unbelievably inefficient to drop by an Apple store for simple purchases. For example try stopping by an Apple store to buy a new iPhone USB cable. Frankly I avoid Apples stores unless I really really need something and don't want to go online for it.
There's an app for that.
Angela DO NO HARM! The Apple stores are a showcase for all things Apple, they are not BestBuy, Amazon or Walmart.
You could look into her background before posting nonsense.
Apple Stores are nice, but they are still colder than some other stores, simply because they are about tech. They could be a little 'sexier' and even less intimidating for non-tech-savvy people.
If I was a sarcastic person I would point out they're the world's leading consumer tech company. However, it is a valid point, one that I don't agree with. I think a big part of the Apple "brand" is it's clean, high quality, tightly focused product line and consumer experience, something the stores deliver beautifully. What some might consider boring, most Apple customers consider a reflection of this Apple philosophy/approach.
Apple Retail needs to balance speed with user experience.
If you have a problem with your Apple device a Genius Bar that is on time and effective is going to have a happy customer leaving.
People walking in looking for products want clarity. Apple stores have improved over the years in this arena. Gone are the stations with microphones and keyboards that few people knew how to operate.
As devices get smaller (read wearables) Apple's stores will have to adapt. How can they show me an iWatch without risking hundreds being stolen off a shelf or from a table a year?
How can they make it easier for me to place an order from my phone and have it ready as I walk through the front door?
How can they offer me training that I can get value from without me disturbing or being disturbed by others?
I'm excited to see what she can do.
Do you know anything about Angela Ahrendts?
What is there to know?, I don't care about her past, while at Apple she had better, DO NO HARM! The last person (fellow Brit) from Dixon's failed.
You could look into her background before posting nonsense.
What is there to know?, I don't care about her past, while at Apple she had better, DO NO HARM! The last person (fellow Brit) from Dixon's failed. JACKASS.