World of Apple

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple is set to hold a “special briefing” in the brand new Fifth Avenue Store next Thursday at 10AM ET.

Although the story is still developing it appears that the invites are welcoming members of the press to come and have a look at the new flagship store ahead of the Grand Opening a day later.

Updates as we receive them.

Teaser on Apple’s website features a cube and the date of opening, the page also contains a timer

Apple today announced that its long awaited Fifth Avenue Store in New York with open on Friday 19th May at 6.00PM.

The store features a 32 foot glass cube out the front with stair cases that spiral down into the store below ground.

“Celebrate the grand opening of the new Apple Store, Fifth Avenue,” the company said. “Win great prizes. Get a commemorative t-shirt. Be one of the first to experience our amazing new store. We look forward to seeing you.”

The Store is said to be 20,000 square feet in size and will be the second store in New York City, it is uknown whether Steve Jobs will be attending the opening of the Store.

Rumours also continue on whether the Fifth Avenue Store will be Apple’s first 24 hour shop.

Apple Regent Street Store is hosting a special music event on May 4, the BRIT School Concert.

Apple states on their website:

“The world-famous BRIT School has spawned such luminaries as Katie Melua and Amy Winehouse. Prepare to be wowed as this year’s crop of final-year students don their glad rags and perform tracks from their final project: a professional-quality CD showing off their outstanding work as musicians, engineers and producers.”

The event will take place at 7PM.

And a reminder to those who may have forgotten Apple is hosting an exclusive listening party with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers tomorrow.

Apple states:

Join us on Tuesday May 2nd for an exclusive pre-release listening party of the new Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album, “Stadium Arcadium”. We’ll play all of the album’s 28 songs in their entirety. And just for dropping by, you’ll receive a complimentary iTunes music card (while supplies last) to download the album’s first single, “Dani California”.
(Event will take place) Tuesday May 2nd, 6.30 pm

If anyone is attending these events, World of Apple would be more than willing to host some pictures.

ifoAppleStore is reporting that Virgin Records have announced that in June 2007 they will be vacating a huge retail space in Boston so that an unidentified “upscale retailer” can move in. The retail space situated at 360 Newbury Street, is around 40,000 square feet, this space would be twice as large as any other Apple retail store, but it could also house administrative offices, repair facilities and training classrooms.

Apple today finalised its fiscal 2006 plan for its retail Stores. Peter Oppenheimer said that Apple wishes to open 35-40 new stores by September 2006.

ifoAppleStore has confirmed many of these destinations, Twenty Ninth Street mall is under constructoon in Boulder, Colorado, which is due for an October Grand Opening. As well as the Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida, Topanga Mall near Los Angeles and the First Colony Mall in Sugar Land, Texas.

With Apple reporting its second highest revenue ever it seems that Retail revenues have dropped substantially for the second quarter in a row. Retail sales totalled $634 million which is 11% up year on year quarter but 41% down compared to the previous quarter. Retail profits were also down at $29 million which is down 31% year on year quarter and down 67% from the previous quarter.

CFO Peter Oppenheimer today acknowledged a “pause” in sales in anticipation of future Intel-based products.

Apple is planning it’s sixth Retail Store in Canada. The Store is planned for the Masonville Place mall, around 120 miles southwest of Toronto.

The store is one of five Stores known to be opening in Canada as well as the Yorkdale Store.

Today Apple opened its Southlake Store in Texas, crdean1 of macrumors has posted images of the opening.

iPod Bar at the Soutlake Store

The Store is very spacious with a Studio to the rear of the Store, the Store also features an iPod Bar as well as a Genius Bar.

Gothamist has collected together some pictures of the unveiling of the Glass Cube at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store.

Workers begin to take down covers on Fifth Avenue Store Glass Cube

Apple has officially announced that the Southlake Town Square store will open this Saturday at 10am.

The Texan Store will be giving away 1000 t-shirts to the first through the doors and of course the opening sweepstake is up for winning.

ifoAppleStore is reporting that is no longer believes that Parco Leondardo is the place of the store but Romaest is pretty much confirmed as the location. Situated to the east of Rome is avoids the hustle and bustle of Parco Leonardo, the opening could be as early as September but the store is not expected to be of flagship size or stature.