When the new iPhone hits the Apple store at Bellevue Square next Friday, you'll find some reserved line space set aside when you arrive.
I finally made it out to the redesigned Bellevue, Apple Store location on the Eastside of Seattle and found the new, larger space to be absolutely breathtaking. The sprawling square footage, interior skylights and glowing Apple suspended at the entrance, made the environment irresistible to browse in.
While the new second floor store is almost three times larger than the original location situated below — I couldn't help notice the narrow alley of space left between the massive storefront windows and cement pillars directly out front.
One of the store Specialists explained that the extra space is part of Apple's square footage — the nearly 6 feet of mall-side space was built in around the perimeter for line-sitters to populate during new product launches. Much like the one expected when iPhone 5 arrives on September 21st. Exactly how does that benefit Apple?
I was told that because the Mall typically charges Apple for space outside for customers to wait in line— the retailer built in enough room around the long perimeter of their new location that's included as part of the store's square footage, rather than being designated mall space. Apple borrowed floor space from the inside of the store and re-purposed it outside instead.
Now customers that come calling for iPhone 5 won't be costing Apple extra by taking up costly floor space from the mall. The redesigned Apple store sits on the 2nd floor near the Nordstrom-side of the mall at 213 Bellevue Square. If you haven't been there yet — I expect I'll be seeing you next week when iPhone 5 goes on sale starting at 8 a.m.
The first iPhone 5 line-sitters have already staked out their places at Apple’s 5th Avenue store in New York City, so you might want to think about arriving really early at Bellevue Square. It's going to be a packed house.
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