New stores open and close in Manhattan every day. Rarely are they of such cultural significance that reporters show up to mark the event. Today was one of those rare exceptions.
The opening will mark the fifth anniversary of the day that Apple opened its first retail store to heavy criticism. Selling computers in a branded store couldn't be done profitably, the critics said. Gateway's experiment with selling its own brand of computer in Gateway Country retail stores was less than successful. After several years Gateway admitted defeat, and closed the last of its Gateway Country outlets in 2004 amid heavy losses.
What's
During that period each store brought in an average of $22.4 million in sales, or about $4,000 per square foot. Overall the retail unit turned in a $151 million profit. Now we'll see what Apple can do with some of the best shopping real estate in the world.
And what's the store like? Take a look.