Apple Store (retail)

Apple Retail Stores are operated by Apple Inc. The stores feature the Apple product line; "solution zones" for movies, photos, music and kids; accessories, and a "Genius Bar" at which Apple product owners can discuss technical issues or bring their computers in for service.

History
The Apple Store concept was developed by Ron Johnson who had joined Apple Computer in 2001 after leaving Target, where he was previously the Vice President of Merchandising. The first Apple retail store was opened on May 19, 2001 at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia. Flagship stores were opened in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. Apple was awarded numerous architectural awards for its store design, particularly its SoHo location. By February 2003, Apple opened 76 retail stores in the U.S. and three international stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and London. In 2004, Apple began opening "mini stores" under 2000 square feet as retail space became difficult to find at the rapid rate of Apple's expansion. By 2011, over 200 stores had been opened.

Opening of new stores have turned into a happening among avid Mac and iPhone users. The events often attract thousands of customers, waiting in line to get in first. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was known to personally visit the Palo Alto store near his home.

The first store in Europe opened in London on Regent Street at 10am on November 20, 2004. Stores across Asia, particularly China, have become substantial revenue generators for Apple. By February 2015, Apple had phased out all of its smaller stores as more desirable locations became available. By 2018, 84 stores had relocated and only 2 locations were closed without a direct replacement. By 2020, Apple had 510 store locations.

COVID-19 pandemic

 * See also: 2020 closures and reopenings

In February 2020, Apple closed their retail stores in China in response to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. Apple soon closed all of their store locations worldwide.

All 42 retail stores in China were reopened on March 13, 2020 as the outbreak in China was stated to be under control. This was followed by the reopening of Apple's store in Seoul, South Korea on April 18, with limited hours and an emphasis on repair appointments. Stores in Australia reopened on May 7, with requirements of face masks, social distancing, and temperature checks of customers. Other stores around the world, including the United States, began reopening on a rolling basis in May, based on local conditions and guidelines. By the end of the month, half of all Apple Stores worldwide had reopened. However, future product launch dates may be affected due to disruptions in Apple's manufacturing supply chain.

On the early morning of April 17 in California, Apple's retail store closure page due to the COVID-19 pandemic was briefly redirected to the pre-order page of the newly announced 2nd generation iPhone SE. However, this was quickly reverted after the pre-orders became active.

George Floyd protests


On May 30, 2020, stores in the United States were looted in the wake of nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. Damaged stores were closed for repairs, and high-risk locations were pre-emptively boarded up. Some boarded-up stores were decorated with murals and became gathering places for Black Lives Matter marches.