Apple abandons West 34th site, readies Miami store
updated 11:00 am EST, Tue November 4, 2008
Apple abandons West 34th
Apple has abandoned any plans for a store on West 34th street in Manhattan, claims the New York Post. Apple currently leases 21-25 on West 34th, which is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, and within a short distance of the Empire State Building. The real estate is capable of supporting up to 18,000 square feet, but Apple is said to have lost interest in establishing a store on the site, and is presently looking to sub-lease through Robert K. Futterman. RKF's website lists availability starting April 1st 2009, for a maximum period of 13 years.
Apple has had some form of lease on the West 34th location since November 2006, and presently pays close to $6 million in annual rent despite no commercial benefit. Other vendors on the street are believed to have been hoping for a high-profile Apple shop, on par with the flagship "cube" store on Fifth Avenue. The loss of Apple may have been foreshadowed, however, in a visit by CEO Steve Jobs. One source claims that early into the lease, Jobs visited in person, and upon seeing a dilapidated building across the street declared that "this is not for Apple."
Apple has meanwhile confirmed the opening of its second store within Miami proper. The Dadeland shop is located within the Dadeland Mall, and should open November 8th at 10AM. It will be open every day from 10AM to 9:30PM, with the exception of Sunday, when its hours are only noon to 7PM. No workshops or other special events are scheduled.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
High Standards
For all those analysts who want to tell Apple how to make more money they should think of this--this is what Steve Jobs is about. High standards. When he does that the money follows. It happens time and time again but you guys insist on Apple selling their operating system to PC manufacturers. No thanks.