[Spliff]

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/2005/12...tore-location/

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I would like a shiny new Apple store to help spread the Apple virus. However, if this rumour is true, this will probably kill the two Apple stores (Compu-Smart and MacStation) currently in downtown Vancouver. It might also affect the other two Apple stores across the Granville bridge.

Kevin Smith actually blogged about this when he was in Vancouver starring in a film:

- At WestWorld, they have the battery I’m looking for, but not the Mac-made power cord. The clerk suggests Simply Computing down the street. I spot a backpack made especially for 12 inch Power Books and decide to upgrade from my “Jersey Girl” backpack. While the guy rings me up, I ask what his store – a Mac-only Mom and Pop shop – will do if Apple does a Toronto and opens an Apple Store in Vancouver. “Go out of business, I guess” he replies, and for a moment, the Apple-enthusiast side of my id is trumped by the Mom-and-Pop-Shop idealist in me, and I find myself hoping the Mac-topus keeps its tentacles out of the Van, so these brand-committed guys can thrive.

[im_noahselby]

I'd personally love to see an official Apple store in downtown Vancouver. I think the market is big enough to support one official Apple store and the smaller shops. I think a lot of them say they will go out of business, when what they really mean is that it will take a large chunk of their business away. The benefits outwheigh the negatives.

Noah

[kmkkid]

Toronto is suppose to be getting a second one soon. *shrug* Still haven't made it to the first.

[Athens]

Ya I think Simply and Mac Station will be fine. Mac Station is well established and has the school contracts and stuff, Simply also has PC income with Strider. I wouldn't mind seeing one here. For the most part I will still go to the closest store, London Drugs for most of my mac stuff.

[wdlove]

I have a very dear friend, like a sister that lives there. That will be awesome for her. Hope it opens soon.

[olePigeon]

There's an independent Mac retailer in Sacramento called "Core Care" (recently changed from MacOnine.) They're still around because they've changed their business model. Before they were a walkin store like any other Apple store, even sold stuff over the internet.

But now they've changed over to a Mac Service center, and only repair and service Apple products.

I think this was a good move because they can compete with price against Apple by offering cheaper hourly rates for repairs. They're also a heck of a lot easier to get to during the holidays, plus, you don't have to sign up for appointments like you do with the Genius Bar at the Apple Store.

Those guys are top notch, can answer almost any question the Apple Genius can, AND you don't have to wait. Plus, you don't have to swim through thousands of cars trying to find a place to park at the mall.

So I think the local Mac shops should change their target audience to repairs and services. Perhaps also offer training sessions in Hardware and Software. The Apple Store's scheduel doesn't fit for everyone. There're a bunch of reasons besides what I mentioned above already, especially when it comes to repairs:

1) Independent retailers can carry a much larger selection of Apple Service parts, including older (but still in warranty) parts that Apple Stores don't carry.
2) On site fixing, no shipping. (Near) Instant gratification. At the ComputerWare in San Jose, you could actually watch the guys do the repair on your machine (if you're so inclined to stay and watch.)
3) Apple Stores don't always carry Apple Service parts, some don't have repair shops at all and have to ship out everything to get repaired. That can take a lot of time.
4) Usually you can talk to the guy that's going to fix it IN PERSON, SHOW them the problem. Make sure you get the problem fixed. I know of a few people on this board who've sent in Machines to get fixed, but the main problem doesn't get fixed until the 2nd or 3rd try.

[gradient]

How much different product do Apple stores typically carry (compared, say, to their online store)? If they can carry a good selection of accessories that the local stores here don't, then I'd welcome an Apple store to Vancouver, otherwise I'll probably stick to Mom-and-Pop shopping.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by kmkkid

Toronto is suppose to be getting a second one soon. *shrug* Still haven't made it to the first.

The current on in Toronto isn't that big but every time I go into it the store is PACKED with people. Weekdays even.

Hope the next one is in the Eaton Centre and larger.

[Jim Paradise]

I have some family out in Vancouver and they all use Macs; they also seem to say there's a fair amount of Mac users out that way. A Vancouver store would be excellent.