Apple Opens In-Store Pickup to America

US residents now have the option to buy an Apple product online and then pick it up themselves at their local store with an online receipt and ID in hand.

Apple yesterday took down its web-based store across the United States to implement a new feature that allows customers to secure an item (such as an iPad or the new iPhone 4S) online and then come over to their local store and pick it up personally.

The media had been tipped off early regarding the initiative, making yesterday’s outage a fairly predictable one.

Apple’s online store in cities like New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles shows the feature as unavailable. However, at least three stores in San Francisco are allowing customers to come in and ask for their product pickup.

According to the listings at store.apple.com, the initiative will extend to all of North America soon. For example, when selecting an iPod in the US store, Apple offers two options: ship, or pick up. For the latter, Apple notes: “Select a store in the SF Bay Area. Coming soon to a U.S. Apple Store near you.”

Detailing the new feature for those who haven’t been reading the news, the Cupertino Mac maker adds: “You can pick up your order at any Apple Retail Store you choose, and get Personal Setup for any new Apple product.”

According to the fruity company, products listed as "Available now" at the store can be picked up within an hour of your order placement.

“We'll set up any new Mac, iPad, or iPod for you before you leave the store. Pick up the order yourself or designate someone else to pick it up,” the company adds. Visit the Apple online store here to see the new feature.