Apple is set to open as many as three new Retail Stores in Switzerland by the end of the year, ifoAppleStore is reporting. The first one to be inaugurated for eager Deutsch-speaking Apple fans willl be the Apple Store, Rue de Rive (Geneva), spy shots have revealed.

According to ifoAppleStore's sources, the Grand Opening of the Rue de Rive (Geneva) Retail Store will take place before the end of this month. As most of you know, Apple Store Grand Openings are packed full with surprises and giveaways on behalf of the company best known for its Macintosh computers and iPods. All this considered, if you live around Rue de Rive, don't hesitate to drop by the Store when Apple gives the Store Manager the green light to let people in.

The country’s second store, located in Zurich, at the Glattzentrum shopping mall northeast of downtown, is also nearing completion, the same sources point out. The image above shows the (usual) black construction barricade in front of the Store's (soon-to-be) entrance. A sign saying “Opening soon” in German is clearly visible against the black background.

ifoAppleStore, which deals with news and information about Apple Inc.'s retail stores, also notes that, by the end of 2008, a third Switzerland store is likely to open its doors to the public, in downtown Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse. According to TUAW, job postings for both Geneva and Zurich stores have started to appear as early as February.

“The Apple Store offers a unique opportunity to share your passion for Apple products with customers and Mac enthusiasts alike,” Apple says on its official website, under Job Opportunities. “If you’re looking for a rewarding environment in which to build your career using your special skills and talents, and if working at Apple has always been your dream job, you might just be one of the passionate individuals we’re looking for.”

If you know your way around gadgets, and especially Apple's, you might want to consider applying for a Genius position at one of the Stores.