Apple Delivers Us The Forum

The Apple store on Regent Street has had a make over, and taken us all back to The Forum ! Literally, that is what the Apple store staff are calling the center piece of the new format retail store, and I thought I would take a look around and bring you the view from inside the store.

Check out my Vlog from the store ...

The definition of Forum is "a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged" and that is exactly what is happening in store. The focal central part of the store is a relaxed zone, where shoppers can spend time exploring products. Chatting and learning and sharing with other people, to be honest when you are in the store you are not thinking about "shopping" you are in fact thinking about "what can I do today...." and that is an amazing thought process to create. I want to design.... and I am shown apps, and products that can help ME design in a better way. And guess what, I end up buying stuff..... so I AM shopping, but I am not even thinking about that, as my mindset is all about the great new design work I will be able to do.

The staff are brilliant as well, in my opinion the best retail staff around, they don't try and pressure you, but they all have a fountain of information on all Apple products.

For me the new look Apple store format is simply stunning, and as the throngs of shoppers who go there on a regular basis the Forum is the new gathering place.

What do YOU think about the new store format ? Is the Forum the way forward for other retailers ? Who would it work for ? What can we learn from this way of retailing....