Apple's New San Francisco Union Square Store Reveals New Design Elements
Posted on May 19, 2016
Apple revealed its new store on San Francisco's Union Square today. The store has new features that will eventually be rolled out to other Apple stores around the world. The store will open to customers on Saturday, May 21.
The above image is a rendering from the San Francisco Planning Department. Apple's original San Francisco store opened on Stockton Street in 2004. It will be closing and the new store will take its place.
Apple's new concept store makes it as much as a community as a retail location. Apple wants there to be a lot going on in its new store. It has designed so there will be activities, Wi-Fi and nature elements so people will want to hang out there as well as buy Apple gadgets.
The new store has signature 42-foot tall sliding glass doors. It has a lot of windows and glass including two glass staircases that lead to the second floor. The store also has interactive themed windows on that dynamically change with the season.
Another feature is an art-filled plaza with seating, public Wi-Fi, a 50-foot tall green wall and regular acoustic performances. The plaza will be open to the public 24 hours a day. There is also a "Forum" which features a 6K Video Wall and a "Boardroom," here the store's Business Team offers hands-on advice and training to entrepreneurs, developers and other small and medium business customers. The Genius Bar has been redesigned as the "Genius Grove" and now contains trees, windows and more open space.
Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores, says in a statement, "Fifteen years ago today Apple opened its first two stores and we're thrilled to mark the occasion with the opening of Apple Union Square in San Francisco. We are not just evolving our store design, but its purpose and greater role in the community as we educate and entertain visitors and serve our network of local entrepreneurs."
Ahrendts said at the store presentation, "This is not just a store. We want to people to say, "Hey, meet me at Apple. Did you see what is going on Apple."