Apple plans big changes to its retail stores, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says in his latest “Power On” newsletter (a subscription is required to read the article).
The article says Apple will slow the growth of new retail stores and be selective in where new ones open.The tech giant will also concentrate on renovations in existing stores.
Gurman says the changes will focus on three areas of a retail store. One will be in the store section referred to as the Avenue, the sections on the sides of the retail establishments for accessories and Apple Services.
Gurman says there will be two new Avenue sections: one for online pick-ups, another for Today at Apple hands-on sessions. The current store layout has a dedicated pick-up table and a seating area, but they’ll be moved into their own 10-foot bays made of wood. A table in front will befor employees to hand off products to customers.
Today at Apple’s Avenue bay will also be wood, with the top section looking like an oversized TV, Gurman says. He adds that the front of the bay will hold table for the instructor as well as a few surrounding stools.
A second change will see the removal of the large video walls as some stores to make room for more traditional retail elements such as more Genius Bars.
The third change will involve staff-facing areas such as new break rooms and updated back-of-house areas. Gurman says Apple will also enforce tougher morning meeting rules, including not drinking or using devices and remain standing through the meetings.
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