3 ms·

The fact that it's being reported this was all John Browett's idea (the new head of retail at Apple) should come as no surprise to anyone from the UK, since bef

by objclxt 14y ago

The fact that it's being reported this was all John Browett's idea (the new head of retail at Apple) should come as no surprise to anyone from the UK, since before joining Apple last year he was CEO of Dixons, a struggling and highly maligned British consumer electronics store. I don't think anyone who had direct experience of shopping at companies previously run by John Browett would say his appointment by Apple was anything but a bad idea.

cremnob 14y ago
I agree. The retail stores aren't a profit center and Apple shouldn't treat it as one. A 22% margin for retail is nothing to sneeze at. To his credit, he did reverse the decision (or someone higher up).
- rogerbinns 14y ago
  How about actual numbers from Asymco: Apple Store Operational Economics: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/09/apple-store-operational-economics/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/09/apple-store-operational-eco... Are Apple Stores overstaffed: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffed/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...
huxley 14y ago
Apple did backpedal from this very quickly and has since the article was published two days ago rescinded the order.
Hontano 14y ago
I forgot Browett came from Dixons. Everyone then said he would probably be disastrous for Apple. Looks like we were correct. I can't imagine him not being shown the door imminently after such a huge PR gaffe. Asymco just posted figures on staffing levels: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffed/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...
podperson 14y ago
Time to spend more time with family, I think.
mikeash 14y ago
Given the reaction, I can only assume that Browett is now on double-secret probation and the next mistake will have him out on the street. Apple is not the sort of company that's suited to shaving pennies off the operating budget.

by objclxt 14y ago

cremnob 14y ago

I agree. The retail stores aren't a profit center and Apple shouldn't treat it as one. A 22% margin for retail is nothing to sneeze at. To his credit, he did reverse the decision (or someone higher up).

rogerbinns 14y ago
How about actual numbers from Asymco: Apple Store Operational Economics: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/09/apple-store-operational-economics/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/09/apple-store-operational-eco... Are Apple Stores overstaffed: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffed/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...

huxley 14y ago

Apple did backpedal from this very quickly and has since the article was published two days ago rescinded the order.

Hontano 14y ago

I forgot Browett came from Dixons. Everyone then said he would probably be disastrous for Apple. Looks like we were correct. I can't imagine him not being shown the door imminently after such a huge PR gaffe. Asymco just posted figures on staffing levels: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffed/ http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...

podperson 14y ago

Time to spend more time with family, I think.

mikeash 14y ago

Given the reaction, I can only assume that Browett is now on double-secret probation and the next mistake will have him out on the street. Apple is not the sort of company that's suited to shaving pennies off the operating budget.