Yesterday we started seeing the first news of the re-opening of the Apple Stores in Austria and Australia, something that Apple had developed at one of its in-house meetings for all sales staff. From now on to the next few weeks we have to see how Apple's stores cleverly open their doors and subject to applicable local restrictions.
I've been commenting lately how those restrictions can be in the Apple store, and in Austria some of them are already guaranteed, such as temperature capture and a limited amount of visitors confirming the proper distance between them. These are the steps used in this age of mistrust, even though we know that we will get into the so-called "normal teenagers" that can stay with us for several years until the policy is approved for all … Is it possible for Apple to completely change the organization of Apple Stores?
Opportunities: more separate tables, no face training and more hygiene measures
International health authorities have been postponing the weeks: it will be a long time until an effective coronavirus vaccine is available (there is talk of 2021 or 2022), and until then we will have to learn to live in a world where the power of limitation and masks will be with us. So Apple is probably figuring out ways to change how its stores run over time.
First, services such as group training or modern sessions at Apple will not be possible. Technical support visits will need to be adequately disseminated, as well as inquiries from someone thinking of just buying the tool. Probably one of the first steps range of tables where products are displayed, to remove some of the probabilities left with those larger distances (although depending on whether the appropriate distance between individuals can be determined by the current distribution).
Large screens Apple's newly designed stores are too big and too important for you to retire, but maybe they can start using some of the extra help canceled today in Apple's face-to-face sessions. Remember the hygiene trends, showcase customer-centric moves and promotional videos for this company's products and services. The benches and chairs for distribution will have to be compatible, since most stores are very close.
It is also true that the customer experience will change. For fear of catching or just being clever we will never go to see the products because we pass. Who will enter the Apple Store will be because they need some consultation with company employees, so that the protocol will be more convenient. Hours reservation system to control the slope may apply to the web and the official grocery plan.
The opening of Apple's new store can be re-imagined
One possible outcome the opening of new stores will be halted, and from Cupertino they will be re-thinking of opening new stores now so the business opportunity can be adjusted. Is it worth opening a new square meter store where we can accommodate one person for every four square meters?
One thing is certain, as I've said on other occasions, that the compact Apple Store image will never be seen in many months. But with the subtlety used by us since Copertino, that may not be a barrier for the business to continue.
We currently have no news of the reopening of Spanish and Mexican Apple Stores.. We will report any issues in this regard.
