3 ms·

It's not even just that. Apple Stores have the unique draw of being the only retail outlet you can buy Apple's full selection of products. Given the popularity

It's not even just that. Apple Stores have the unique draw of being the only retail outlet you can buy Apple's full selection of products. Given the popularity of those products, it's no wonder they have lots of foot traffic. Microsoft Store has no such unique draw to get people in the door, or to get them to buy anything once they're there. It's a showcase of products you can buy in other stores you've known much longer, and hundreds of websites. Even the unpopular Surface RT is no longer a MS store exclusive with Best Buy carrying it along with the full range of accessories.

danso 14y ago
I don't think that's the main draw for most people, though...most people care about iPads, iPhones, and iPods, which you can get at most major retailers now. Perhaps the service stations at the Apple Stores make it more appealing to go there, but exclusivity doesn't seem to be a main reason to go. I think why Apple has traffic and Microsoft doesn't is because Apple has thoroughly owned the entertainment and luxury image. Microsoft dominated the office, but I think the side effect of that domination is that when you go shopping for PCs, I think it's hard to escape the mentality of "these boxes are similar to those I do my spreadsheets on, 40 hours a week, in that dreary cubicle". Shopping at Apple store feels like a luxury escape: I go frequently even for accessories that are cheaper on Amazon. Shopping at a Microsoft store will unfortunately have some of the same appeal as shopping for ink cartridges at Staples.
- jpxxx 14y ago
  You are correct to describe Apple retail as a shopping "escape". There are interesting window displays, inviting and modern interiors, generally unobnoxious staff, and screechingly fast unlocked and unfiltered wi-fi. That's enough to be the best thing in any mall for most people, and enough to thoroughly trash any competing American electronics experience. That you can trial, buy, return, swap, service, and get help with anything in the Apple universe is almost besides the point.
  - gav 14y ago
    I dread going to an Apple store. I live within walking distance of 3 and avoid them all. They are busy full of people trying to get service at the Genius bar (which is pretty poor experience a lot of the time), the demo units are taken by people just killing time, they have a lack of products in stock, and the accessories are generally overpriced. The last couple of Apple devices I bought elsewhere: Amazon for the new MacBook Air as they had it in stock, and Best Buy for an iPod because it was cheaper.
    - jpxxx 14y ago
      I agree, the crowds can be punishing and that's certainly an alienating experience for many. But the stores remain at maximum capacity, they're the #1 retail draw anywhere they exist, and you're still sending Apple money. :)

danso 14y ago

I don't think that's the main draw for most people, though...most people care about iPads, iPhones, and iPods, which you can get at most major retailers now. Perhaps the service stations at the Apple Stores make it more appealing to go there, but exclusivity doesn't seem to be a main reason to go. I think why Apple has traffic and Microsoft doesn't is because Apple has thoroughly owned the entertainment and luxury image. Microsoft dominated the office, but I think the side effect of that domination is that when you go shopping for PCs, I think it's hard to escape the mentality of "these boxes are similar to those I do my spreadsheets on, 40 hours a week, in that dreary cubicle". Shopping at Apple store feels like a luxury escape: I go frequently even for accessories that are cheaper on Amazon. Shopping at a Microsoft store will unfortunately have some of the same appeal as shopping for ink cartridges at Staples.

jpxxx 14y ago
You are correct to describe Apple retail as a shopping "escape". There are interesting window displays, inviting and modern interiors, generally unobnoxious staff, and screechingly fast unlocked and unfiltered wi-fi. That's enough to be the best thing in any mall for most people, and enough to thoroughly trash any competing American electronics experience. That you can trial, buy, return, swap, service, and get help with anything in the Apple universe is almost besides the point.
- gav 14y ago
  I dread going to an Apple store. I live within walking distance of 3 and avoid them all. They are busy full of people trying to get service at the Genius bar (which is pretty poor experience a lot of the time), the demo units are taken by people just killing time, they have a lack of products in stock, and the accessories are generally overpriced. The last couple of Apple devices I bought elsewhere: Amazon for the new MacBook Air as they had it in stock, and Best Buy for an iPod because it was cheaper.
  - jpxxx 14y ago
    I agree, the crowds can be punishing and that's certainly an alienating experience for many. But the stores remain at maximum capacity, they're the #1 retail draw anywhere they exist, and you're still sending Apple money. :)