I disagree with this: one of the main functions of Apple's stores has been to shift product servicing and support from telephone / third-party resellers to dire

I disagree with this: one of the main functions of Apple's stores has been to shift product servicing and support from telephone / third-party resellers to direct contact. I needed a screen replaced on a 15" MBP a few months ago, which without an Apple Store near me would have required my laptop to be out of commission for a week. At the Apple Store, the repair happened while I waited. I would argue many people have been converted to Macs because of the support available at the stores. Regardless of this, many Apple Stores are highly profitable - the Regents Street store in London, for example, has the highest sales per square foot of any store in the city[1]. [1]: http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/?newsid=27038 http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/?newsid=27038