Apple Store
OK, off topic but mildly interesting (possibly) nonetheless. I had the misfortune to got to the Trafford Centre on Saturday for the first time in quite a while, and found that there is now an Apple Store opened.
I don’t own any Apple products, and judging by the staff in the Apple store in the Trafford Center, I probably never will. For the same reason why I don’t like GAP shops, the Apple store had an overwhelmingly American feel, which is fine if you are in the USA, but here in the UK, it all seems slightly too cheesy.
I don’t know if it was the staff member who was playing the keyboard hooked up to the Mac, showing off the sound editing software, or the girl with the camcorder showing off the video editing power, but the whole atmosphere was one of ‘we love Apple’ which just makes me feel slightly nervous.
Mind you, I popped into Game and made the mistake of looking interested in the PSP Game chart, as I got cornered by an over enthusiastic member of staff who whipped out his PSP and wanted to show me Dodgeball on it. I kindly declined and beat a hasty retreat, I didn’t want anyone to think I was that kind of PSP guy.
10 Comments, Comment or Ping
Jarod
No offense but I think you’re seriously complexed. What did you expect the people in an Apple store to be like? If they were anything like the other local British salesmen working at other independent Apple resellers, the result would probably…BANKRUPTCY
Feb 8th, 2006
Steve
If one were to walk into a sports store, one would assume that the individuals there would be excited about sports, especially Manchester… So it is safe to say that if one were to walk to an Apple Centre then one would expect to see those who are excited about Apple products.
Shopping via the net may be the best option for you it seems. That way the only excitedly weird individual you may have to deal with would be yourself. Enjoy!
Feb 8th, 2006
MR.L
GO PLAY WITH YOUR PSP AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH
Feb 8th, 2006
Lee
I have visted the UK on numerous occasions for both biz and pleasure. Shopping in many of the local stores I had this feeling they were all slightly too cheesy.
Feb 8th, 2006
Nathan
Are you asn idiot? There is a reason why the Apple Store generates billions of dollars for Apple. The staff are enthusiastic, and actually know about the product, and the best way to demonstrate the product to a customer.
If you want typical British idiotness, and rudeness, why not go to Currys or Comet, where they know nothing about anything.
Feb 8th, 2006
Administrator
Wow, looks like theres alot of people who like the Apple store!
I have no problem with Apple products, and if I ask for something to be demonstrated I’d love to be served by someone who knows what they are talking about (something that alot of the larger retailers sometimes lack).
There is a difference however in knowing the products and being enthusiastic, and acting like you are being paid to put on some show everytime someone walks past the shop.
Must just be me
Feb 8th, 2006
Anonymous
Uh, this has to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen. Perhaps you would rather go into somewhere like the Sony store, where it’s all older men wearing suits just standing there? I know that would certainly make me feel more comfortable than a bunch of people actually using the products. Apple employees don’t try to “show off” a product when someone walks by. We do it because we love them. Walk by an Apple Store an hour before the store even opens and you’ll see the same thing going on, employees playing with and learning about new products.
Feb 8th, 2006
Dan
I think you missed the part where most Mac users are seriously into the platform. It’s much how Linux geeks are deeply vested in their platform and enthusiastic to tell you why it’s great. Working for Apple in any facet is a dream job for Mac geeks because it’s so fun to use the products all day and to contribute something to the company that develops said products. I think you misconstrue the genuine passion Apple Store employees have as a charade. I’ve been pretty up close and personal with many and I’ve never known even one who didn’t honestly feel strongly about the company and it’s products.
I’d urge you to visit again with this in mind: Mac users truly want to show you what they believe to be the best systems on the planet. This goes for all Mac users, as the rest of us have been selling Macs for Apple to our family and friends for years without receiving a check from the company!
An aside to those who provide insults: You make us look childish. Please stop.
Feb 9th, 2006
Administrator
Sorry, I didn’t realise saying an environment felt a bit cheesy was as insulting as it appears to be.
[edit]
I’ve just reread the above comment by Dan (thank you) and of all the comments left, it makes the most sense. Thanks again for leaving a comment that didn’t just call me an idiot for having an opinion on the Apple Store! I’m sure if I’d been in and actually bought something, the staff would have been more than helpful in my purchase.
[/edit]
I will revisit the Apple store and talk to some of the staff, it may have been the bad mood I was in on the day I visited that left me feeling the way I did. I’m sure most of the staff in the Apple stores are genuine fans of the product, unfortunately working in the UK its easy to get cynical about most things, and not belive anything you see – especially staff who appear have a real love for the product they sell.
Perhaps a few smilies would have been better
I’m stopping further comments on this post, as its got more comments than any other post on this site, and its not even on-topic!
Thanks for taking the time to read it, if you have, and if you work in an Apple Store, all the best, Have a good day y’all.
Feb 9th, 2006