Belfast Apple Store Evokes Memories of Jack and The Beanstalk

 
The new Apple store at The Victoria Center in Belfast, Ireland is all about grandiose magnificence. The spiral staircase leading to the store was reminiscent of Jack and the Beanstalk when looking up at it from ground level. The odd shape of the top floor was a bit confusing until you reach the landing and then it all makes sense. There's so much more square footage than I had expected that high up. Photographs were not allowed from inside the store but I was able to snap a few shots from atop a nearby construction lift as people entered via the glass staircase.

The crowd was so massive that with all the pushing and shoving many were a bit bloodied when they entered, but no one seemed to mind much. The crowd were finally going to be up close to the fabled MacBook Air and iMacs that most who've never been outside Northern Ireland were unable to witness, other than on the telly. Inside, the store fixtures and architecture were equally as magnificent as the climb up, but not half as exhausting to appreciate. I didn't get close to any Macs until I was able to sop up the sweat dripping down my face, soaking my shirt and the floor. It took me about forty minutes to finally decompress. One man shouted, "Hey candle boy!" from across the room because I looked like I was melting.

The staff cheered everyone's arrival which is typical Apple store fare. Some locals were disappointed that the Genius bar did not actually serve booze. Many shared their personal flasks and carried on without incident. "What kind of shop puts in adverts for a pub then doesn't serve any brews?" asked customer Brien Mullaney, "Genius bar my arse, what genius thought up that shite?" I'm convinced the incredible upscale location in The Victoria Center is going to be a huge success for Apple if you don't mind scaling the gigantic, winding stairway to heaven that pushes through the atmosphere to reach the top. It's well worth the trip, but I suggest you bring a towel. Maybe two towels.

[See Sneak Peak Photos]   [Victoria Center photos by davy mcflick]

Comments

[Alan in Belfast]

Opens on Saturday 20 September at 9am - http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/2007/11/apple-store-coming-to-belfast.html

[how'd you like them apples?]

Well, better news still, glazers are finished and the soon to be illuminated glass apple sign has been mounted......surely opening day cant be far away! Anyone got a date? I've sent pics to the admin so hopefully they will appear here soon.....

[how'd you like them apples?]

Well, good news is that the real apple store is showing real signs of progress. Unit UG5 has now had the grey boarding taken off and replaced with scaffold, and looks to be some hectic activity going on to get the store ready.

I know also that the comms etc. into the store is already in place, and has been for several weeks, so despite the complete lack of information about an opening date, it cant be far away.....

[lawyers guns and money]

this is retarded.

[MJ]

what is this tosh - the store isn't open yet, and the staircase leads to a viewing platform....it's late, and I've just stumbled onto this so forgive me if I've missed a heavy dose of irony and/or sarcasm but it would appear whoever wrote this is intending to be believable?

[Alan in Belfast]

Got a picture of the Belfast Apple Store shop front ... they'll only squeeze in pretty small glass staircase given the size of the unit!

http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/2008/03/belfasts-apple-store.html