It's Official: London Apple Store to Open November 20

Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs confirmed Tuesday the company does intend to open its first UK-based retail store on Londonis Regent Street on November 20./p>

Speaking during the companyis iPod event Tuesday in San Jose, Calif., Mr. Jobs confirmed the 20,000 square foot store will open on that day at 10am local time, and Apple has plans for a series of special events and giveaways to help promote the launch.

Store features will include a multi-lingual staff, a 46-foot long Genius Bar, and a 64-seat theatre. New to its retail stores will be iThe Studioi, a special are staffed with skilled experts in photography, moviemaking, music and more.

Apple is pulling out all the stops for the opening. Over 250 special events are planned for November, including giveaways, music events, special workshops and guest appearances from well-known members of the Mac community. The company will also give away a rare AppleT-shirt to the first 2,500 customers coming through the door on the opening day.

Much like similiar openings, Apple will be giving away a special idigital lifestylei collection worth US$37,000 on opening day, and will be selling Lucky Bags with an estimated value $1,287 for $458.