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Customer laptops stolen from Apple Store
Security is job number one here at TUAW. Well, irreverent enthusiasm is job number one, but security is in the top ten at least. That's why this report of a break in at Seattle's University Village Apple store hits so close to home, even though my home is in Philadelphia.Thieves apparently cut a hole in the ceiling and dropped into the back room where repaired Macs were quietly waiting to be reunited with their owners. Sadly, those reunions will most likey never happen. That's right, those cads stole all the laptops in that room, as well as a bunch of iPhones. I can only hope that those Macs were setup to make it a little difficult for the thieves to get their hands on the personal information contained therein (though knowing Mac users as I do I imagine those machines don't even require a password to login).Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Apple lays down iPhone purchase rules -- max 2 per person
Apple just got all official with their retail sales for the iPhone. Read it, know it: All 164 Apple retail stores will close at 2pm and reopen at 6pm until midnight on the 29th. 2 iPhone's per person max. First come, first serve basis. Free iPhone training workshops will begin Saturday morning at all Apple retail stores. Apple's online store will also begin taking orders at 6pm PDT on the 29th. Free shipping. So you don't get caught out making a disappointing trip, Apple is also providing an on-line tool to check the iPhone availability at your local Apple store. Good thing, we think you're going to need it. Read - The RulesRead - iPhone availability checker
Get a Jawbone with your iPhone
One of our Weblogs, Inc. designers sent a Twitter the other day bragging that his new Aliph Jawbone had appeared on his doorstep. After a quick Google search, I realized he wasn't talking about a new part of his anatomy, but rather a hot little Bluetooth headset. They don't get slicker than this-- not only does it look like it taps right into your face, but apparently the science works, too, if the demo is any indication. At $120, it ain't the cheapest headset you'll find, but according to our designer, it's completely worth it.And so I wasn't that surprised to see, according to Macworld, that Apple is going to be selling these babies in their stores, right alongside the iPhone. Apparently a quality (and expensive) phone calls for a quality (and expensive) Bluetooth headset, and we're sure Aliph is thrilled to get shelf space next to what is already set to be one of the hottest products of the year. There's no word if the Jawbone is in Apple stores yet, but Aliph says if you want one, they'll be sitting right there in 157 Apple stores across the country next Friday.
Apple and Sony stores face off in the New York Times
It seems funny now, but Apple's 2001 decision to open a chain of glossy white boutiques was thought to be pretty risky at the time -- there was no shortage of pundits declaring that the stores would fail spectacularly. (To be fair, no other manufacturer made it work except Sony, kind of. Read on.) Six years and several million iPods later, of course, the stores are a resounding success, and flagship stores are suddenly all the rage. Not every manufacturer's getting so lucky at the mall, however -- Randall Stross of the New York Times compared his experiences at a couple of Sony's 39 retail stores with a visit to an Apple Store, and came away less than impressed. Stross found both Sony outlets virtually deserted except for inattentive salespeople and security personnel, while the Apple Store was packed with shoppers and friendly staff. The Sony stores, according to the "retail consultants" Stross later talked to, are merely "places of stuff," a condition which makes them not "shop-able," while the Apple outlets "extend an emotional connection." Stross concludes that Sony would do better if they had a hit product (duh) but we think the real secret is something a little different (no pun intended) -- Stross quotes a consultant who says all you need to do is "absorb the fumes" at an Apple Store and you "feel like the smartest technophile in the world." Man, that RDF is some pretty powerful stuff, eh?[Via TUAW]
TUAW tours the Apple Company Store
David Chartier and I made the obligatory pilgrimage to Cupertino this week to snag some Apple swag for ourselves, friends, family and potentially even for you - to win in a future contest. We've posted some Company Store and generic campus pics in the gallery for your enjoyment. So... enjoy!
Apple SoHo NYC Store open 24/7 until Christmas
Just as the image above states, The Apple Store SoHo is joining the 5th Ave Apple Store in staying open 24 hours a day until Christmas Day, December 25, 2006. The Fifth Ave store is always open 24/7/365, of course, but the SoHo store generally closes at 7pm, 8pm or 9pm (depending on the day). This is a nice holiday treat for those of us who prefer never to step foot above 23rd St this time of year, in an effort to avoid the crowds.Specifically, The SoHo shop will open at 9:30am this Wed, Dec 13th and remain open until 11:59pm on Sun, Dec 24th. The store will then be closed Dec 25th and will re-open at 9am on Dec 26th.Now go buy something shiny and expensive with an Apple logo on it. That is, after all, the true spirit of Christmas!
Apple online retail realizes European traffic gains
Rapaport News reports that online retail sales have jumped this season, up by 60 percent or more in many European countries, which by any measure is a significant gain. The article, which is based on a ComScore report, out of the Reston, VA-based research firm, states that online consumer spending have been strong throughout the end-of-year period. In particular, the Rapaport article mentions Apple and Amazon. Apple has consistently performed as a top retail site in the UK, France and German according to this report. "[C]onsumers armed with high-speed access and positive online retail experiences are increasingly comfortable shopping online."
Apple Store holiday t-shirt slogans
ifoAppleStore has a list of the slogans that adorn the red holiday t-shirts worn by Apple Store employees. My favorite is, 'For a PC user it's not a gift. It's an intervention.'Take that, PC users!
Apple Store Albuquerque Grand Opening Photos
Andrew & Chris sent us some nice shots of yesterday's ABQ Uptown Apple store opening in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Obligatory Mac O'Lantern from the 2nd-in-line, who camped out overnight on Halloween, included!Mark has some pics too. Anyone else with pics? Post a link in the comments.Look like a nice place to spend a few thousand dollars and it uses the new & improved interior layout Apple's been rolling out. Congrats on your new neighbor, Albuquerque!
Location of first Apple store in Scotland
Survivingcinemas.org.uk has uncovered the future location of Apple's first store in Scotland. 147 Buchanan Street, Glasgow will house Scotland's Apple Store as well as a glass spiral staircase and a Genius/iPod bar. This former theater will have an estimated £1,1,68,000 pumped into it to covert it into an Apple store with stainless steel encased ceilings (signage will be approved separately). Interestingly, it would seem that this store will not have a theater which is becoming a trend in new Apple Stores.[via MacNN]
Topanga welcomes newest Apple Store
Canoga Park, CA in the San Fernando Valley may be known for its Antique Row - but there's a new attraction in town. Apple fans lined up yesterday morning to be the first to enter the new Apple Store, located on the 2nd floor of the newly renovated Westfield Topanga Mall. This appears to be one of Apple's updated designs featuring a wider layout, more display space and a dedicated iPod bar.TUAW tipster Mack (aka realmacgenius) was there with his camera, thinking of us. Enjoy his pics. It's just like being there.Thanks, Mack!
iPod giveaways at Beverly Center Apple Store
ifoAppleStore is reporting on a month-long contest that is going on at the Beverly Center Apple Store in Los Angeles, CA. Several Mac owners living in southern California have recently received a contest notification via email, which states, "...Every night in March we’ll give away an iPod [30 Gb], iPod nano [2 Gb], or iPod shuffle [512 Mb]." You can see the full invitation after the jump.Good luck, LA! Let us know if you win.
Confirmed: New Apple Store in Canada
Heads up, Canadians. It looks like Eaton Center in Toronto has a new Apple Store in its future. The retail page on Apple's Canadian site is currently listing job postings for Easton Center. If you're in the area, keep your eyes peeled for any developments, and let us know what you find.Thanks, Scott!
