14 DAY TRIAL // ifoAppleStore is reporting that two new Apple retail stores are set to open in Europe soon. Both Germany and Italy are getting their second stores, with indication that Apple is already hiring staff for Italy's store. Also reported by the source dealing exclusively with Apple retail news is that a fresh Washington DC store still hasn't been approved because of discrepancies in vision between Apple and the Old Georgetown Board.
Germany Store
“Apple will open a retail store in Hamburg (Germany) later this year, the country’s second-largest city and a major destination for domestic and international travelers,” IFO reveals. “The location decision oddly bypasses Berlin and Frankfurt for a port city with a metro population of almost five million residents. The exact location of the future store isn’t known, but there are many city-center locations in Hamburg that could rival the busy and scenic location of the Munich store that opened last December. The store could open by mid-summer,” says the source.
Italy Store
It was also discovered that Apple plans to open its second store in Italy. IFO points out to a Macitynet find saying that Apple is looking for staffers for a Milan store. “Job listings have appeared on Apple’s Web site, but that the exact location of the future store hasn’t been pinpointed,” reads the report. The store is expected to open its doors by the end of the year.
Old Georgetown Board objects to DC Store design
“The last obstacle to Apple’s plan to build a retail store in the Georgetown district of Washington (DC) remains an obstacle,” IFO reports. “On Thursday, members of the Old Georgetown Board criticized Apple’s latest proposed design...,” the report goes. Despite the fact that Apple's new store blends very well with the brick and masonry found on most buildings around it, the design also includes a large expanse of glass. Yes, this was the board's objection.
To think that Apple is actually forced to give up on its signature glass facade to open stores in some areas...