Apple's new store design

Apple is expected to open three new retail stores this weekend, a few of which will feature a new store design. Announced earlier this month, Apple said the new store designs would be modeled after its flagship 24-7 Fifth Avenue retail store in New Yor City. Bloomberg says the new retail store design will add more show room for iPod music players and Macs and stations where shoppers can get technical help for their products. In addition, the new stores will have an "iPod Bar" and Studio where artists and musicians will offer advice on creative projects, Apple retail VP Ron Johnson said. Apple stores already have "Genius Bars" for repairs and questions on Macs. The new design puts twice as many Macs and iPods on display and should speed customer service, Johnson said. In addition, it allows Apple to display 50 percent more products from other companies that sell Mac software and iPod accessories.

by MacNN Staff