Apple Store for Dublin
This time next year, there will be an Apple Store in Dublin.
That is the message from several different sources. In June 2009, there were media reports that a Dublin real estate agency had been retained by the US company to secure a ‘prestige’ retail location in Dublin.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Apple has been bidding on properties in Grafton Street, probably the only location in Dublin it would consider placing an Apple Store.
And last week, a conversation I had with a senior Apple executive confirmed that the company will press ahead with a store in the capital.
The executive I spoke to has partial responsibility for Apple Stores in Europe. He said that the company would ‘‘definitely’’ put a store into Dublin, although he would not commit to a timeframe. Asked why Belfast already has a full Apple Store but Dublin didn’t, the executive explained that Apple had pursued a retail strategy in Britain ahead of other European markets.
The company had opened its first French store only before Christmas, he said. The executive also said the company pursued retail locations with a very focused brief. He said it would set up only in specific, high profile streets.
‘‘If you look at where we put our stores worldwide, they’re in the most expensive streets and retail areas,” he said. ‘‘They’re designed with a lot of space left for people to meet staff and do things other than be overwhelmed by product. And still our stores are among the most profitable retail outlets in the world, per square foot.”
In a possibly unrelated event last week, several bids were rejected for AIB’s retail branch in Dublin’s Grafton Street. The highest bid, at €28 million, exceeded the property’s guiding estimate. Why is this of any importance?
And who cares whether Apple sets up a store in Dublin? In fact, many people care. Mac users flock to Apple Stores, wherever they find them. It is not just that they stock huge amounts of Apple equipment, unlike any other Irish shops; it is that they provide free access to dozens of Apple ‘geniuses’, people who will answer any problem queries regarding a Mac.
These geniuses will also look at your problem laptop, iPhone or iPod free and diagnose problems, offering a solution. That is not a service that is available elsewhere. Because of this level of service, Apple Stores record massive sales from loyal, grateful customers. So the news that an Apple Store could be on its way to Dublin is an exciting one for Apple users.
There was no official comment from Apple about this last week, one way or the other. Apple’s official line is that it does ‘‘not comment on speculation’’. But with a tablet laptop to be launched in two weeks, there will be renewed focus on the innovative company’s products.
An official announcement about an imminent Irish Apple Store would be perfect timing.
