14 DAY TRIAL // Apple already has a very strong retail presence in the US, with hundreds of stores where customers can try out, buy and service Apple products. However, in other countries, the situation is very different, with the bulk of Apple products being handled by various resellers with various degrees of professionalism. As such, it is not surprising that Apple plans to expand its retail presence overseas.
While there have been several reports about Apple planning Apple Stores in Europe, a recent AppleInsider report has details about Apple's plans for the company's first Canadian flagship shop, a spacious multi-story retail outlet to be located in the heart of Montreal. According to AppleInsider sources, the company has secured over 9,300 square feet of space along the 1300 block of Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest, where it is planning to heavily alter, but not raze, an existing structure. Apple's initial plans for the site would see the ground floor raised and existing column structures on the property relocated. The building would also receive a stainless steel facade and a new roof. On the inside, Apple plans for the two stories of retail space to be joined by what has become a trademark glass staircase that can also be found in other flagship stores.
While Apple currently operates four retail locations in Canada, none of these are flagship locations. This new Montreal store would join the existing nine high-profile stores for Apple, which are spread all over the U.S., U.K. and Japan. While the Montreal store might be subject to delays for any number of reasons, it would seem that Apple intends to begin operating out of it the summer or early fall of next year, according to AppleInsider sources.
Apple's stores continue to be a huge part of Apple's strategy, while also being one of the greatest success stories in retail history.