Public store opening set for November 14th, 10AM

Apple has revealed that its Upper West Side store -- based in New York City -- will open to the public at 10AM on November 14th. The outlet is Apple's fourth in Manhattan and 280th worldwide; it will employ over 200 workers, and on its basement level feature the company's "largest area ever" devoted to training and tech support, for instance incorporating a 45-foot Genius Bar. Normal operating hours will run from 9AM to 9PM Monday through Saturday, and 9AM to 7PM on Sunday.

The store is most immediately distinguished by an arched glass roof, and massive front-facing glass walls, newly exposed after the removal of a construction facade. At night the building is said to be "brighter than anything on Broadway," as a result of exposing all of the upper floor's interior lighting to the outside. The floor makes little use of its space, instead offering a cavernous ceiling and plenty of room for people browsing Apple products.

Apple has already planned several special events for the location, including a group of promotional "Youth Day" workshops for November 15th, and a performance by the New York Philharmonic Principal Brass Quintet on November 30th. Apple retail head Ron Johnson notes that in 2010 the company plans to open between 40 and 50 more retail stores worldwide, over half of which will be outside of the US; some cities gaining shops should include London, Paris and Shanghai. The executive also comments that its stores will now be larger as a rule, at least "three tables wide."

by MacNN Staff