U.S. Apple stores increase hours, staff
updated 10:20 pm EDT, Mon July 28, 2008
Apple's hours increased
Apple recently updated its iPhone availability page availability page, stating, "To accommodate demand for iPhone 3G, all Apple Retail Stores will now open at 8:00 a.m. every day but Sunday. We're also adding staff to help you get up and running as quickly as possible." The demand for the iPhone 3G has been excessive and Apple's retail stores have been flooded with long lines for iPhones across the United States. Apple has responded to this by increasing hours and staffing to help more customers each day.
According to AppleInsider, Apple stores have also started to pre-qualify customers who line up for the iPhone, setting aside an iPhone 3G that may be picked up later. In many cases these buyers are given until 6 p.m. to collect their purchase, allowing these customers to move to other commitments if necessary without losing their chance at purchasing an iPhone 3G.
Apple's availability page allows customers to check the stock at Apple Stores for the next day. The stock is updated daily and customers are able to see the data after 9 P.M. the night before they plan to visit. Apple still recommends showing up early though, as iPhones are dealt out on a first come first serve basis.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2005
iPhone
I love my iPhone but I find the lines kind of amusing. At the Southcenter store in Seattle there was a significant line at the Apple store last Saturday. The store was otherwise just about empty. I left empty handed since they didn't seem to be selling MacBook accessories any more and the salespeople are few.
I plan on getting a new iPhone just as soon as I can walk into the store and just buy one. If they offered them mail order I'd probably get on the list, but I can't imagine waiting in line for hours at the mall.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did wait in line for a Wii so I am capable of temporary insanity. Though, not seeing a Wii on the shelf of my local stores for nearly a year after made me feel a little better about the decision.