Are all Apple stores a mob scene?

[Chefguy]

I'd been meaning for some time to stop in at the Apple Store downtown, and have a leisurely chat with a sales rep about the iPad, so I could determine whether or not it was worthwhile to buy one. So yesterday I finally got around to it: walked in the door, took one look, and walked out again. Jesus, what a madhouse that place was; and the noise was overwhelming. It seemed to be primarily 18-30 year olds, with all of them pawing at the display phones and computer equipment in a frenzy. Sales people sort of stood around with sickly smiles plastered on their faces.

Is this what all Apple stores are like? These couldn't have all been paying customers, so WTF?

[Agent Foxtrot]

I'd been meaning for some time to stop in at the Apple Store downtown, and have a leisurely chat with a sales rep about the iPad, so I could determine whether or not it was worthwhile to buy one. So yesterday I finally got around to it: walked in the door, took one look, and walked out again. Jesus, what a madhouse that place was; and the noise was overwhelming. It seemed to be primarily 18-30 year olds, with all of them pawing at the display phones and computer equipment in a frenzy. Sales people sort of stood around with sickly smiles plastered on their faces.

Is this what all Apple stores are like? These couldn't have all been paying customers, so WTF?Apple bases their entire business model on their products being fun to look at and handle. Yes, all Apple stores are pretty much a mob scene. I'd wager, however, that the majority of paying customers generally went into the store already knowing they were going to buy.

[Leaffan]

Yes. Even in Canada.

[Anaamika]

But they have some really neat gimmicks! I just bought a new iPod. So, you go over to the display, and right there is a little display computer. You click "need assistance". It says you are X number in line. The numbers count down, and when they are done, an associate magically appears next to you. He helps you with what he needs. He fetches your item, and then he takes your credit card right there! You don't even need to go up to the counter to pay. I liked it, and I am not even that fond of Apple.

[Chefguy]

Damn, I guess I need to reinvest in their stock. It's likely I won't go back, though, as I really don't deal well with frenzied crowds. Maybe after school starts up again. Then again, this particular store is located very close to Portland State University, so there may be no relief. From what I'm reading, the Samsung Galaxy is serious competition for the iPad, without all the proprietary stuff to deal with.

[hogarth]

Yes. Even in Canada.
I've walked by the Apple store in the Eaton Centre (Toronto) a number of times, and I've never particularly thought it was a "mob scene" (except maybe during the Christmas/Boxing Day season where everything is a mob scene). Maybe I'm not paying close enough attention, or maybe I'm walking by at the wrong times.

[Leaffan]

I've walked by the Apple store in the Eaton Centre (Toronto) a number of times, and I've never particularly thought it was a "mob scene" (except maybe during the Christmas/Boxing Day season where everything is a mob scene). Maybe I'm not paying close enough attention, or maybe I'm walking by at the wrong times.

I've been in the one in Ottawa a number of times. I had to book an appointment days in advance to have a rep. look at my son's iPod.

My wife warned me ahead of time to book the appointment, as a colleague of hers tried wandering in off the street for help, and was asked whether she had an appointment or not.

Very busy store.

[Anaamika]

I live in a medium sized town, so it's never that busy that you need an appointment, but it certainly is trendy. But I don't really need to shop around; I know what I want before I walk in, so it was super convenient for me.

[Dewey Finn]

I go into the local Apple store from time to time to goof off and play with the display hardware and I'll bet that a good number of those already there are doing the same thing, with no intention of buying anything.

Best Buy stores also sell Apple products so you might visit one of them to look at the iPad. (Generally the Apple display isn't as busy.) And Best Buy stores also have the Samsung Galaxy tablet, so you can compare them.

[LawMonkey]

If you can go first thing in the morning, right after they open, you might have a better experience. (Or, if you're a night owl and they're open 24 hours, you can go at 3 am...)

[gotpasswords]

As my friends in the UK would say, they're usually a bit of a scrum.

One thing that contributes to the madness is having 24 or so computers available with open internet access, so people tend to camp out at one of the displays to catch up on email or whatever. I don't think the store staff will bother them unless they happen to be abusive or downloading porn.

The upstairs level with the Genius Bar tends to be slightly less manic.

[hogarth]

I've been in the one in Ottawa a number of times. I had to book an appointment days in advance to have a rep. look at my son's iPod.
Actually, an acquaintance of mine said she had to book an appointment in advance as well. But I didn't take that to mean that the store was physically packed with customers, just that they have a limited number of customer support people.

Maybe I'll stroll by this afternoon and take a gander. :)

[Chefguy]

I go into the local Apple store from time to time to goof off and play with the display hardware and I'll bet that a good number of those already there are doing the same thing, with no intention of buying anything.

Best Buy stores also sell Apple products so you might visit one of them to look at the iPad. (Generally the Apple display isn't as busy.) And Best Buy stores also have the Samsung Galaxy tablet, so you can compare them.

The problem with Best Buy is finding anybody that actually knows anything.

[Anaamika]

As my friends in the UK would say, they're usually a bit of a scrum.


What does this mean?

[kayaker]

In China they've had to fake Apple stores. (http://www.christianpost.com/news/chinas-fake-apple-store-fools-even-staff-52608/)

[Dewey Finn]

The problem with Best Buy is finding anybody that actually knows anything.
Actually, I think there is an Apple-shirted employee in my local Best Buy store. I don't know if that's an actual Apple employee, but I suspect that he or she is reasonably familiar with Apple hardware.

[Chefguy]

What does this mean?

Rugby term. Short for scrummage (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-scrum.htm).

[Anaamika]

Rugby term. Short for scrummage (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-scrum.htm).

Ah, thank you!

[RJEatonton]

The one is Chicago is busy but I don't think it's a mob scene, though there have been times, like when the IPAD first came out it was one

[SeaDragonTattoo]

Is there a not-downtown store that's not too hard to get to? The downtown Chicago store is nuts, but there's another one a couple miles north that's fine. Just not around new release days.

[Dewey Finn]

Wasn't yesterday the first day that the new Lion OS was available? So perhaps that was why the store was especially busy?

[tumbleddown]

You've hit right at the introduction of new product, updated models of the Macbook Air and Mac Mini were just rolled out. As a general rule, you should never visit an Apple Store in the week of new product intro unless you need a genius bar appointment for crucial technical support.

Wait a week and try again and it will still likely be quite lively, but not a total cluster.

[Chefguy]

You've hit right at the introduction of new product, updated models of the Macbook Air and Mac Mini were just rolled out. As a general rule, you should never visit an Apple Store in the week of new product intro unless you need a genius bar appointment for crucial technical support.

Wait a week and try again and it will still likely be quite lively, but not a total cluster.

That'll teach me not to stay in touch with the tech world.

[lindsaybluth]

I've been to some that were madhouse busy and others that weren't. Generally the more suburban they are the better off you'll be.

The one near my uncle's home in the Wellington mall in Palm Beach is never too crowded. I don't think there were any youngsters pawing at things; when we were there it was mostly the 50+ crowd getting their first or second Mac (just as he was).

ETA: I've been at 4 locations in two states and you've always needed a genius bar appt 24 hours in advance unless it's 1st thing in the morning. Always.

[mack]

I've been to the one on 5th Ave in NYC a couple times. On Saturdays. Both times were very crowded. Lots of tourists. However, it was easy to access demos to play around with (they had like a dozen of everything), it was easy enough to find a salesman, and when it came time to buy my macbook pro, the salesman did it remotely so I didn't have to stand in line. The one time I did have to stand in line it went pretty quickly. Pretty good experience overall.

If you're curious about iPads just go up to the iPad display, start playing with one and have your leisurely chat with the sickly-smiling salesperson who will certainly be by shortly. It's pretty easy to tune out the madness once you're in and messing around with stuff. FWIW I got a wifi only iPad for my wife, who is not very computer savvy, and she's crazy about it. Since it can connect with our cable service it's like having another TV in the apartment (among other things) that she or the girls can take anywhere.

[Hampshire]

They're like the new Starbucks. The new hip and trendy place to hang out.

[gotpasswords]

What does this mean?
It's a rugby term, but in this context, it means "chaotic mob"

[hogarth]

By the way, I moseyed by one this afternoon, and it seemed pretty dang busy. One guy talking outside on his cell phone said he thought it was "packed".

[kushiel]

Apple bases their entire business model on their products being fun to look at and handle. Yes, all Apple stores are pretty much a mob scene. I'd wager, however, that the majority of paying customers generally went into the store already knowing they were going to buy.

Yeah, I finally had a chance to go to an Apple store and had to see what the fuss was about. It was just people standing around playing with the gadgets. I already have an iPhone and access to an iPad, so I just shrugged and left.

[iamthewalrus(:3=]

Actually, I think there is an Apple-shirted employee in my local Best Buy store. I don't know if that's an actual Apple employee, but I suspect that he or she is reasonably familiar with Apple hardware.They are. I have a friend who works for Apple in a Best Buy location.

[goldmund]

As a poster above said, OS X Lion just came out. It's only available via download, though. Apple invited anyone who doesn't have a fast connection, has a bandwidth cap, etc, to come into the stores and download the new OS via their wireless network. So that probably has a lot to do with it.

[jasg]

The problem with Best Buy is finding anybody that actually knows anything.Try your local Fred Meyer's - mine has iPad, Xoom and Galaxy tabs to try out. Wouldn't be surprised if they pick up the HP tablet as well (they used to sell the HP iPods).

Even if the clerks know nothing, you can probably try out each one long enough to get an idea of each. Then go to the web and research them more.

[Cheez_Whia]

I just got back home from Salt Lake City, about a 5 hour drive from where I live (Hubby sees doctors there 3-4 times a year). We went to the Apple Store there yesterday, and it was busier than we had seen it previously. We did not have any problem getting to any displays to play with the devices, and we were approached several times by employees asking if they could be of assistance. It's been pretty busy anytime we've gone. We bought iPads there last fall, but most of the time, we buy direct from Apple online.

I didn't think I would use an iPad much, but I was wrong. Get one; you'll like it!

[Chefguy]

Try your local Fred Meyer's - mine has iPad, Xoom and Galaxy tabs to try out. Wouldn't be surprised if they pick up the HP tablet as well (they used to sell the HP iPods).

Even if the clerks know nothing, you can probably try out each one long enough to get an idea of each. Then go to the web and research them more.

I've been in the Freddy's electronics section three times now, standing and staring at the iPads and looking around like I needed help. They were supremely disinterested in making a sale, it seems.

[jasg]

I've been in the Freddy's electronics section three times now, standing and staring at the iPads and looking around like I needed help. They were supremely disinterested in making a sale, it seems.Yep, sounds right. My point was that you can directly compare several tablets there.

They guys at my store were hot on the Xoom because it supports Flash and they had to be able to play Farmville - so their advice was already skewed a bit from my needs (not a Farmville fan).

[lindsaybluth]

Personally I'd go back to the Apple store itself in a week or so, on a weekday at an offpeak time, like 10am or 2pm, avoiding the lunch rush and the evening rush. You could also show up an hour before the store closes.

If you have a location that isn't inconvenient that is more suburban, try there first.

Likely the cause of the crowds are both the Lion update and new hardware. One means crowds, two probably means near disaster.

Also - if there is engraving on the iPad and you don't plan to sell it, don't buy it in the store, buy online.

[DCnDC]

But they have some really neat gimmicks! I just bought a new iPod. So, you go over to the display, and right there is a little display computer. You click "need assistance". It says you are X number in line. The numbers count down, and when they are done, an associate magically appears next to you. He helps you with what he needs. He fetches your item, and then he takes your credit card right there! You don't even need to go up to the counter to pay. I liked it, and I am not even that fond of Apple.

Interesting; that's exactly what I don't like about the Apple Store.

They don't wear uniforms or even just Apple t-shirts or anything so there's no telling who works there and who doesn't. I walked into an Apple Store, went straight to what I came in for (it was a Snow Leopard upgrade disk), then had to stand around for 5 minutes like an asshole looking for someone to check me out because there isn't any dedicated space for doing that. I walked up to at least 3 random people in the store only to discover that they didn't work there. They looked at me like I was nuts.

I feel like they overthought the whole thing; I know they want to be different, but there's nothing wrong with having a simple checkout counter.

[lindsaybluth]

Wow, DCnDC, if what you described was anything like my experience, I'd hate Apple too. I would honestly complain about it; I've never seen or heard what you've described. That sucks!

I've been to 4 stores in PA and Florida and they 1) all wore brightly colored noticeable Apple T-shirts. 2) I was always was approached by someone within 30 seconds of entering the store, usually within 5 seconds. 3) I was re-approached if I told them I was just browsing about 10 minutes later, which is just perfect and 4) they email you the receipt after every purchase, you so have a "forever" copy.

[Chefguy]

Yep, sounds right. My point was that you can directly compare several tablets there.

They guys at my store were hot on the Xoom because it supports Flash and they had to be able to play Farmville - so their advice was already skewed a bit from my needs (not a Farmville fan).

Yeah, but I need to actually have someone give me the sales pitch and demonstrate it. Me poking at random icons isn't going to tell me anything.

[xash]

From what I'm reading, the Samsung Galaxy is serious competition for the iPad, without all the proprietary stuff to deal with.Not even close:

http://daringfireball.net/2011/07/ipad_dominance

[Critical Mass]

I bought my macbook at a Best Buy store.

My first visit to the Apple store was when I needed my power cord replaced on warranty. I wasn't aware I should have made an appointment online.

The place wasn't empty, but it wasn't busy. I stood at the service desk while a couple of people were being helped. When one of them left, I approached the counter and explained why I was there. The Apple guy asked if I'd made an appointment. When I said no, he walked me over to a bank of laptops where he showed me the appointment site. It was 1:30. I made the appointment for 1:45. The guy then looked at his iphone, said he didn't have anyone until 2:00 and asked me if I wanted him to assist me now or wait until 1:45.

Once I got the guy helping me at the counter, the service was good. But I was somewhat unimpressed that I was made to go through hoops when the pragmatic method of assisting me was to simply assist me. It wasn't busy. It took me longer to make the appointment than it did to get my new cord. Granted, next time I will make an appointment first.

[tumbleddown]

I stopped by an Apple Store yesterday afternoon. Granted, the heat may have been a deciding factor because this a boutique store rather than one nestled in a nice air conditioned mall, but the place was completely sedate for 4 on a Saturday afternoon.

I echo above, the team members all wear Apple shirts of some sort, and more importantly, neck pendants with their ID/access badges which are fairly large (about the size of an iPod, actually). Look for the people with things around their necks, if nothing else.

[antonio107]

When I went to the one in South Florida last year, it was actually sorta docile...but it was on a weekday morning, so that might've done.

But like Leaffan said, the one at the Rideau Centre in Ottawa is just a sea of humans. I pre-ordered my iPad; no chit chat, just cash and carry!

[Balthisar]

Even in economically-devastated Michigan my nearby Apple Store is painfully busy during the after-work/-school hours. I recently had to go there several times a lot due to some hardware issues (that ultimately turned out to be my own fault). On one of those occasions, though (either dropping off or picking up my machine) they let me jump the queue right away when I wanted to buy an unlocked iPhone 4.

[Askance]

The two Apple stores I walk past regularly are pretty much always busy-to-packed, from morning to night.
They don't wear uniforms or even just Apple t-shirts or anything so there's no telling who works there and who doesn't.
Sure (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2008/04/27/employee-clothing-titles-to-be-tweaked/) they do (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Apple-Retail-Store-Staff-Adopts-New-Uniforms-Slogans-84698.shtml), although granted they are not all identical, like some Walmart or something.

[Anaamika]

Interesting; that's exactly what I don't like about the Apple Store.

They don't wear uniforms or even just Apple t-shirts or anything so there's no telling who works there and who doesn't. I walked into an Apple Store, went straight to what I came in for (it was a Snow Leopard upgrade disk), then had to stand around for 5 minutes like an asshole looking for someone to check me out because there isn't any dedicated space for doing that. I walked up to at least 3 random people in the store only to discover that they didn't work there. They looked at me like I was nuts.

I feel like they overthought the whole thing; I know they want to be different, but there's nothing wrong with having a simple checkout counter.

I never had that problem either; even when we were just idly browsing the display rack in the back someone came up and asked me if I needed help.

[Acsenray]

Ah, thank you!

And they look like this (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKg_xHEUmr0/TaPTfkiMKnI/AAAAAAAAAAM/DApkjxt4irc/s1600/400px-RugbyScrum.jpg)

[UncleRojelio]

I haven't had my iPad for more than 3 hours now and I'm already addicted.

[Rigamarole]

I hate Apple now more than ever, just from reading this thread.