Tens years ago today, Apple opened its first retail stores. It began with two outlets in 2001, one located in McLean, Virginia, the other in Glendale, California. Now Appple has 320 stores now exist around the world. Although most of these are based in the US and the UK, and a dozen countries in total now have shops, including China and Japan.
During major Apple product launches the shops are home to the longest lineups, and often the focus of local media. Changes are rumored to be in the works include “Startup Session” areas, the use of iPad as signage, and more elaborate displays and sound systems. Some or all Apple Store employees could be equipped with iPads.
