This is the first in our series chronicling visits to Apple Stores around the country. Want to help? Send us your store experiences at feedback@thedigitallifestyle.tv
As promised during the last installment of tDL Live, here's my take on the Apple Store 5th Ave. My recent visit (Pre-Thanksgiving) to the store was also my first and I need not take 300 words to talk about the cube . . . it's cool.
Store traffic was high for a rainy Saturday in a down economy. Not only were there many people, but many bags . . . consumers are buying. The store seemed well staffed, I didn't really notice many people standing around looking confused or helpless and I was happy to see the store had a real POS, instead of a small army of specialists swarming with easy pay machines. This is in stark contrast to my local store where it's easy pay, or nothing (I don't know about you, but this easy pay really isn't).
As expected the genius bar and iPod bar were busy and creatives were conducting their one to one sessions.
Overall I enjoyed my first trip to the iconic 5th Ave. store. I'm wondering how they sell desktops though. How would you get it out of the store and what would you do with it once you did? If anyone has purchased a Mac Pro from the 5th Ave. store I'd love to know how they handled that.
As many of you know, this website and video network was founded by former Apple employees. Often, people ask us what it's like working at Apple. Well, that's a topic for several blog entries. Another frequent question: "What did you learn while working at Apple to use in the future?" This question usually comes from people considering a job at an Apple Store. Often, their first job out of college. Jamie and I tackled this question in a recent Root Access episode (below).
In general though, here are a few things about working in Apple Retail: 1. You don't have to work for a company because you like it. I remember before working at Apple the countless hours spent checking out the latest Apple news and rumors. A task that was much harder and far fringier in those days. Working for Apple though, certainly took away some of the magic and mystique.
2. If you have technical skills, consider your options. While Mac Geniuses are decently paid by retail standards, if you truly have a grasp of the technical side of things, you could make far more outside of Apple, or even inside Apple in another capacity.
3. Apple Retail isn't the farm league for Apple corporate. While I know many people who've made the leap from Apple retail to "real" Apple, it is a tough road, especially for those who aren't on the programming side. Initially, working for Apple will get your foot in the door, in terms of things like visiting Cupertino (if you're a genius) and yes, there are stories of potential geniuses who were snatched up, and brought on to engineering teams while attending genius training. This is NOT the norm. My rule of thumb would be, if you work at an Apple Store for 18 months and don't see a path to another part of Apple, get out. I personally know three people who ended up in Cupertino by working in retail, then taking my advice and leaving, before getting the call to corporate.
4. If you're retired, think twice. For older Apple fans, the store can look like a fun, and energetic way to spend a few days a week if you're looking to get out of the house. I would strongly advise visiting the store multiple times to get a feel for the actual demands of the store. Some stores are laid back, while others are, in nicest terms, a zoo. Just know what you're getting into.
The bottom line is, if you're looking to start a lasting career, it's nice to have Apple on your resume, but don't expect it to work wonders. And unless you want to develop a career in retail, get out at about the 18 month mark.
Personally, I worked for Apple for about three years. In that time, I was able to change jobs three times, and even helped with some special internal projects. By that time, it was clear there wasn't any sense in staying unless I wanted to continue in retail, which if that's your thing, then fine.
Also know that depending on the crew in your store, it could be one of the most entertaining jobs you'll ever have. It can be hell at the mall too, sometimes with the same people... Look for more in a future blog post.
Good Morning! 7:45 in the AM here on the East Coast, and lines continue outside of a Philadelphia area Apple Store. As of my last count there are 30 people in line, and more are lining up by the minute. It remains unknown how many or of what capacity phones are going to be available today. These folks are going to be in line for the next two hours in the hope that they'll be one of the few to have this phone within the first week. One person I spoke to confirmed they've been in line since 6:00am. If you want one of these phones . . . get in line EARLY.
Did you wait in line before store opening? What time did you get there? Did you get the phone you wanted? Let us know.
This is a picture taken about 45 minutes ago outside the Apple Store at the King of Prussia mall outside of Philadelphia. Despite activation issues, people are still in line (well why get out of line now?) in the hundreds to get the iPhone
I came across this story over at The Consumerist describing a customer's experience at one Apple Store versus another. It seems the ball was dropped on a repair issue that forced the customer to take his computer to another Apple location where the repair was expedited and completed immediately. As a former Mac Genius, and current Apple Store customer, I do believe Apple provides the best customer service experience in all of retail today, however sometimes the quality of service may vary based on a few things.
When. The time of day you arrive can greatly affect your service. I found I provided my best service earlier in my shift, either 9am or 1pm if I was closing. Also typically the Genius Bar is less busy when the store first opens (although there may be a flood of broken iPod customers) and less busy on weekdays.
Where. If you happen to live near multiple Apple Store locations, I'd pick the one that is typically less crowded. Not only will you probably receive more time with a Mac Genius, but they should have less repairs in their queue, ensuring you get your repair back faster.
Who. Sometimes is all comes down to the Mac Genius who helps you. The reality is some do a better job than others. Some are more knowledgeable and experienced, and just interact with customers better.
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Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 10:34AM 
