Apple Plans New Store Design

Apple Computer plans to unveil a new store design in September that incorporates features from its New York City Fifth Avenue store. According to San Francisco Business Times, the first two stores to sport the new features will open in Providence, R.I., and Columbia, MD. on September 23.

Ron Johnson, Appleis senior vice president of retail, said "Itis an upgrade," but did not elaborate.

The Fifth Avenue Apple Store features an above ground glass cube atrium with a suspended and lit Apple logo. The rest of the store is underground. It also includes a larger Genius Bar, a separate Studio Bar, and displays designed to make it easier for customers to try out iPods and Macs.