Apple Stores shifting focus to software in bid for switchers
ifoAppleStore claims that the front section of the redesigned shops will seek to reel in passersby, window shoppers and the curious with a "Why You'll Love a Mac" theme, featuring signs and brochures comparing the Mac to the Windows-based PC world.
The new plans are still being implemented, but Mac OS X applications will also take center stage in the Mac maker's bid for even more 'switchers.' The second section of the stores will be dedicated to the iLife digital lifestyle suite, while the third will be tabbed for iWork.
"The reorganization could begin as early as next week, but could take several weeks for staff retraining and graphics change-outs," the report said, adding that this is the third major interior design change â wood floors followed by a stainless steel interiors in 2006 â to take place since the stores' inception.
Apple has also changed its iPhone 3G and iPod touch displays to reflect the emphasis on software. The tables are arranged into categories of applications; including games, pleasure and travel, and others, with new acrylic information stands for each.
Each device is then loaded with many applications from their target category, making it simple for customers to learn more about whichever kinds of apps they're interested in.
Also worth noting is a redesign of the acrylic stands, which are actually no longer "stands". They are now laying almost flat on the table in a wedge shape, allowing them to be more easily read from where the customer stands. The horizontal displays improve upon the old design, which made shoppers either bend down or pick up the stands to read them.
Finally, the Apple Store-dedicated site notes that shopping bag dispensers have been placed underneath the tables, joining the printers already mounted there. Now employees, already using handheld devices to complete sales anywhere in the store, won't have to walk to the front-of-store checkout counter to bag customers' items.
49 Comments
So on the computer side, Apple is only highlighting two software packages: iLife and iWork (one of which they'll get free if they buy a Mac). Wow, that sounds, well, kind of pathetic. Not even going to attempt to make the Mac look like it has a good selection of 3rd-party apps...
So on the computer side, Apple is only highlighting two software packages: iLife and iWork (one of which they'll get free if they buy a Mac). Wow, that sounds, well, kind of pathetic. Not even going to attempt to make the Mac look like it has a good selection of 3rd-party apps...
The whole concept of "a good selection of third party apps" is an old one at this point and not as relevant as you think it is. People mostly just want a computer nowadays that will do what they need it to do and run the apps that they commonly need to run. Mac beats Windows hands down on that front.
I do agree with the articles premise that software should be the retail focus in that the machines pretty much sell themselves hardware wise.
I'd like to see Apple port iWork over to the Windows for instance as it's just a better product than Office for anyone but the advanced business user (i.e. almost all consumers), and rather than inhibit sales of Mac hardware I think it would accelerate the conversion.
Nice to see Apple continue to push the envelope to attract new users to the Mac. Growth over the past few years has been fueled by switchers and it's nice to see Apple continue to target these customers especially given the economic backdrop.
So on the computer side, Apple is only highlighting two software packages: iLife and iWork (one of which they'll get free if they buy a Mac). Wow, that sounds, well, kind of pathetic. Not even going to attempt to make the Mac look like it has a good selection of 3rd-party apps...
I don't follow your reasoning. The article said the effort is to get switchers. iLife seems like a great way to do that. They're not trying to sell software, they're trying to sell Macs to switchers. Can you clarify?
I agree, although I also think they need to address the hardware pricing as well.