Design Innovations
Apple unveiled the next generation of Apple retail on its 15th anniversary by introducing new concepts for its flagship retail stores.
The smartphone pioneer opened its seventh store in New York City this weekend in the Upper East Side, even as its most iconic store on Fifth Ave prepares to undergo major renovations. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
Leading The Change
The transformation was led by former Burberry CEO, Angela Ahrendts. Angela, Apple’s Head of Retail, was hired by the technology giant two years ago. Spearheading the design change is Apple’s Design Chief, Sir Jony Ive. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
New & Improved
Angela Ahrendts was quoted as saying that the company plans to renovate 20 existing stores in the U.S., including ones on Fifth Avenue and San Francisco’s Union Square, due to the stores outgrowing their space. According to her, nearly 60 per cent of Apple stores pre-dated the iPhone and had outgrown their space. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
Design Debut
The new design has already made its debut in stores in Brussels, Belgium, Memphis, Tennessee and Guilderland, New York. “Fifteen years ago today Apple opened its first two stores and we’re thrilled to mark the occasion with the opening of Apple Union Square in San Francisco,” she said. “We are not just evolving our store design, but its purpose and greater role in the community as we educate and entertain visitors and serve our network of local entrepreneurs,” Ahrendts told the media. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
Redefining Retail Space
The stores will have a more luxurious look, retaining the iconic glass walls, and wooden tables. Some of the glass walls at the Brussels store are curved, giving the place a softer look. According to analysts, the stores are designed in a way to encourage people to hangout, as they would in a coffee shop. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
Corporate Social Responsibility
In addition to this, Apple plans to use the outside of its stores to develop public spaces – for example, the store in San Francisco will be a plaza, with a fountain and a lot of greenery. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
The People
The stores will also have creative pros who will advise people on which products and accessories to buy and how to make the most of this. This, along with the existing technical geeks, who will guide customers on how best to fix broken products. (Image Courtesy: Apple)
