I think the staffing levels makes a lot of sense. Apple sells above-market items with large ASPs, and service is important. Why go to the trouble of building

I think the staffing levels makes a lot of sense. Apple sells above-market items with large ASPs, and service is important. Why go to the trouble of building a great retail experience, located in the most desirable real-estate in each city, if you diminish the buying experience by forcing customers to wait a long time to buy? Every Apple store I've ever been to (Silicon Valley, Toronto, Ottawa) has been crowded, new product release or not. Yet, I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes to talk to someone (not including waiting in line for a new iPhone model). Not having to wait long at an Apple store is part of a good retail experience - it's another way to strengthen our association of the Apple brand with quality (in line with their use of materials in their products, as well as their attention to packaging).