AppleInsider Staff
In the midst of a major retail expansion across China, Apple continues to make progress on its latest flagship outlet in the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing, recently breaking down the scaffolding surrounding the new store's dramatic cylindrical entrance.
The all-glass cylinder appears to stand some 30 feet high, according to photos published by ifoAppleStore, and will likely hold a staircase and elevator for the seemingly expansive underground location. A similar entrance — Â said to be conceived by late Apple chief Steve Jobs — Â sits atop the company's Pudong store in Shanghai.
The new outlet in Chongqing's Guotai Plaza will be the company's fourth shot at combining a cavernous underground space with an above-ground landmark, joining stores in New York, Shanghai, and Istanbul. Of those, only the Istanbul location does not feature a functional entrance in the above-ground portion.
Apple has previously earned a patent on the glass cylinder design, suggesting that it is among the company's most treasured trademarks. Jobs is among the inventors listed on the patent.
The opening date of the new Chongqing store is still unknown, but it will be quickly followed by a third outlet in the city that is currently under construction at the competing MixC shopping center. Apple is planning to triple its retail presence in China, an increasingly important market, under new retail czar Angela Ahrendts.
Andrew Orr
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24 Comments
Interesting that I get a 404 for the article itself, but it appears here just fine.
In Istanbul, not a functional entrance but an incredible glass structure
[quote name="AppleInsider" url="/t/184197/apple-unwraps-second-retail-store-in-china-with-cylindrical-glass-entrance#post_2658433"] Apple has previously earned a patent on the glass cylinder design, suggesting that it is among the company's most treasured trademarks. Jobs is among the inventors listed on the patent. [/quote] Meanwhile Samsung can't draw enough interest in their flagship stores to keep them open. [COLOR=blue]I do have to admit that the public's interest and patronage of Apple's stores exceeds my understanding... it's just phenomenal! [/COLOR]
The phrase "Get Those Wonderful Toys" springs to mind
The phrase "Get Those Wonderful Toys" springs to mind
Far more significant than mere toys. People around the world recognize Apple products' life-enhancing value, despite their purported "high price" which most of them are ready and willing to pay.
By holding his team's values and coordinated actions to the company's standards, Mr. Cook is leading the Apple juggernaut to ever higher accomplishments.
The insane feel threatened. The sane will view this as inspiration for their own enterprises.