14 DAY TRIAL // ifoAppleStore, which deals exclusively with news and information about Apple's retail stores, is reporting that the company's Bridgewater (NJ) mini store will be closed between November 4-7. Not to worry, Apple is only moving the store across the hall to a larger area.
“The Bridgewater (NJ) mini-store will close from November 4-7 to prepare for a move across the hall to a larger space opening Saturday, November 8th,” ifoAppleStore reports. The source reveals that “the upgrade is part of a plan that may eventually migrate all mini-stores to larger spaces in response to increased market share and more Apple customers,” while “the new space will have over 4,000 square-feet of space,” the report also notes.
The 1,700 square-foot store opened its doors to the public in October 2004. The mini store was half the size of Apple’s smallest store at that time, and was designed to precisely locate additional stores closer to customers, in an effort to make it even more convenient for people to buy Apple's stuff, but also to get professional advice.
“Our mini store is a big experience that fits in a small space,” said Ron Johnson, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, at the time the mini store was announced. “The mini store’s small size will allow us to place stores in a variety of interesting new locations, while retaining innovations like the Genius Bar that have made Apple’s retail stores such a hit.”
Some of the featured products at opening time included the popular iMac 5G, the newly-introduced iPod line, an array of the best third party products to help customers get more out of their iPods and Macs, the Genius Bar, where Apple customers could get professional help, and the on-site repair on all Apple products.
According to ifoAppleStore, Apple also plans to make a similar move with its Southcenter (Wash.) retail store next month.