Apple minis to extend retail strategy in Europe next year

Rumour has it that five Apple 'mini' stores will open throughout the UK in 2005, with at least one to be located in Scotland. The minis will complement several full-sized retail stores: the flagship London store already launched, and three other full-sized stores slated to open in Manchester, Birmingham, and Kent.

The brand new mini store strategy places smaller Apple retail locations in areas not suitable for their full-sized cousins. The minis average about 750 square feet, half the size of Apple's smallest full-size outlet.