Apple could move into Champs-Élysées Virgin Megastore
updated 12:10 pm EST, Fri March 2, 2012
No definite plans stated
Apple is a candidate for replacing the Virgin Megastore at the Champs-Élysées in Paris, according to Le Figaro. The French newspaper claims that Apple "will be in the running" for the location, which Virgin is reportedly trying to sell. The latter company is in the process of closing down some outlets; president Jean-Louis Reynard has said that the chain is switching to a "new model of store, smaller, with a more segmented offer."
Apple already has several shops established in the Paris area, with more to come, but a Champs-Élysées outlet would put the iPhone maker in one of the most prestigious areas in the city. The building in question also holds a massive 75,347 square feet, even though Virgin currently only uses 48,438 of that for sales. It occupied, the space would become among the largest Apple Stores in the world, if not the biggest.
International expansion is expected to preoccupy much of Apple's retail plans in 2012. Today the company is launching its first Dutch store, and working on other outlets in places like Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Australia.
