The launch of Apple's new iPad has once again drawn massive crowds and a blitz of media attention as customers — including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak — queued up to buy the third-generation device.
When the new iPad goes on sale in the U.S. and nine other countries this Friday, it will become available at 8 a.m. local time, Apple announced on Wednesday.
Former Apple retail head Ron Johnson convinced the late Steve Jobs to abandon a plan to focus the company's retail business on creative professionals and instead cater to all types of customers.
New iPad buyers can now opt for two years of coverage for their iPad, including repairs and technical support, for $99 with AppleCare+.
Apple's new retail store in Houston, Tex., is expected to open on March 16, prompting speculation that Apple could make its third-generation iPad available for sale that same Friday.
Amid record earnings and continually strong sales at its retail outlets, Apple is reportedly planning to open stores in Stockholm, Vancouver and South Perth, while rumors point to a second Seattle location.
In just a week and a half, Apple will expand its retail operations to its 12th country when a new storefront opens in the Netherlands.
During the busy holiday shopping season, Apple accounted for 19 percent, or nearly one in five, of all U.S. consumer dollars spent on electronics, according to the NPD Group.
As promised, activists on Thursday hand-delivered signed petitions to Apple's store in Grand Central Terminal, which were politely accepted by retail employees.
An activist group plans to hold demonstrations at Apple retail stores around the world Thursday, with a main gathering held at Apple's Grand Central Terminal location, to highlight claims of worker abuse by the iPhone maker's overseas component suppliers.
Apple's network of authorized "Premium Resellers" across Europe have complained that they are no longer a priority since Apple began expanding its own retail locations.
As some pundits have questioned the wisdom in Apple's decision to bring an outsider in as its new Senior Vice President of Retail, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has reportedly defended the hiring in an email, noting that he talked to many people and Dixons CEO John Browett was "the best by far."
Apple announced on Monday that it had hired John Browett, former CEO at European Technology Retailer Dixons, to be its new Senior Vice President of Retail, a move that reflects the company's increased focus on its overseas retail operations.
Apple has complied with a court order in Italy and begun informing customers at its online store about a legally mandated two-year warranty.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook reportedly informed employees this week that later this year they will be able to buy an iPad with a $250 discount, while Macs will be available for $500 off.
Apple could open its first retail stores in India, the second most populous country in the world, now that the government allows full ownership of single-brand retail stores by foreign companies.
Target on Thursday confirmed that it plans to open 25 specialty stores dedicated to Apple products inside 25 of its existing retail locations.
Apple's participation in a cultural event in Japan known as "Lucky Bags" has drawn even more attention to the company's already popular retail stores.
eBizcuss, the largest Apple reseller in France, has sued Apple alleging that the company competes unfairly by favoring its own retail stores with new product inventory and by undercutting proposals to small businesses.
Apple's retail operations were fined 900,000 euros, or $1.2 million, in Italy in response to complaints of "unfair commercial practices" related to product warranties.
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AppleInsider Staff
Josh Ong
Katie Marsal
Neil Hughes
Sam Oliver
Slash Lane
