Apple closing Simi Valley store with no replacement ahead of 'iPhone 8' launch
Roger Fingas
Apple will close its Simi Valley, Calif. store on Sept. 15, the company has announced, despite an iPhone launch likely happening as little as a week or so later.
"Thank you for over 10 great years," a message on Apple's website reads. "The last day we will be open is September 15." With Simi Valley shuttered, the next closest locations will be The Oaks, Northridge, and Topanga, the latter of which is being renovated and will only reopen on Sept. 16.
The Apple retail chain has seen almost non-stop global expansion in the past several years, and may soon hit 500 locations. That makes a closure without a replacement unusual, particularly given the timing involved.
Apple is expected to announce three new iPhones — the "iPhone 8", "iPhone 7s", and "iPhone 7s Plus" — at a Sept. 12 press event, and ship them later the same month. The company should also reveal a 4K Apple TV and an LTE-equipped Apple Watch.
The Simi Valley outlet has presumably run into weak sales, making it difficult to justify given other shops nearby. It's not yet clear though what will happen to the store's workers.
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