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Apple CEO Tim Cook opening the doors of an Apple Store.
- Apple's
retail stores are all over the world - the international brand ambassador for Apple products. - In recent years, Apple stores have abandoned traditional structures like checkout counters and the iconic "Genius Bar" in favor of a roaming employee equipped with iPads.
- On a recent visit to get a Mac computer repaired, I experienced firsthand just how messy and disorganized this approach can be.
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Years ago, when the iPhone was still a relatively new device, Apple stores were a novel experience.
They had large, open floor plans paired with the shining beacon of the "Genius Bar," and a subtly tucked away checkout counter somewhere in the back. When you walked in, products were clearly the focus - on display at every table, in distinct sections for iPhones, iPads, and various Apple computers.
It felt familiar, like a normal retail store experience, but better.
Those days appear to be gone.
This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.