Slash LaneApple Senior Vice President of Retail Ron Johnson told USAToday on Wednesday that the company plans to makeover 100 of its retail stores this year, retrofitting them with customer service Genius Bars that are 50 percent larger and display tables that can showcase twice as many Macs.
"We know that a lot of people are cutting back, but we're doing the opposite," he told the newspaper. "We're investing in the downturn."
Beginning June 2, Apple will also make significant changes to its One-to-One personal training service geared towards helping new Mac customers get the most out their systems.
Currently, anyone who's willing to pay $99 can sign up for a year's worth of the training service, but Johnson says Apple will start limiting signups to only those customers who purchase a Mac at an Apple retail store or the Apple online store. Legacy users won't be booted from the program, however, and will be offered the opportunity to renew their subscription for the same $99.
As part of the changes, One-to-One sessions will be limited to three hours, up from one hour. Similarly, up to three participants will now be allowed to take part in the sessions. In addition to its remodeling efforts, Apple will also open 25 new stores worldwide this year, including its fourth flagship location in Manhattan and new shops in Paris, Germany and Italy.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
47 Comments
3 hour one to one's? Yikes...
Great that they plan to increase the size of the Genius Bars. Last time I was at the Apple Store, the "genius" I worked with could hardly move, he was squished between 2 other people and the very tightly spaced desk-mounted keyboards. I actually suggested that he work from my side of the bar where there was more space.
This is good for the economy and for Apple's image.
I wonder if those laid off get their jobs back? Were any "geniuses" laid off prior?
I wonder if those laid off get their jobs back? Were any "geniuses" laid off prior?
you're a buffoon - you realize that, right? They laid off 50 people from their enterprise sales group. Hardly noteworthy compared to the thousands laid off at microcrap and elsewhere - not to mention it has more to do with their sales strategy than the economy.
This makes perfect sense to do this sort of thing during an economic downturn. Less foot traffic in the stores means less of an overall disruption. Hotels do it all the time - remodel their rooms while they're empty so they don't have to turn away guests.