Apple will reopen 100 stores in the US by the end of the week, the company confirmed to The Verge. That would put Apple’s operating stores in the country with at least 130 of the 271 stores spread across 21 provinces. The company opens each location in stages, so some stores will only support curbside Pickup, while others will allow in-store operation and sales.
The immediate locations of Apple’s active stores are: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisccin , the report said. The only New York store that can be reopened will be its Victor location outside of Rochester, New York, and many national stores – including those in New York City – will open later.
“This week we will return to customer service in many areas of the US. Customer safety and convenience, most stores will offer curbside or only settings, when we provide online appointments and Genius Bar appointments,” Apple said in a statement provided to The Verge. customers are logged in and we encourage everyone to check out their local webpage for more information on local hours they like. Customers can visit apple.com for support by phone or chat. We are committed to re-opening our stores in a way that is focused on the health and safety of our customers and groups as our top priority, and we look forward to seeing our customers soon. ”
More than 510 of Apple’s 510 stores are located throughout the US, but most of the locations have been closed since March due to the COVID-19 epidemic. In some states where residential orders have been issued or proposed, the company has already started working on resale. These include stores in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, and South Carolina, which were part of the first wave of the Apple Store reopening that began in early May. Apple has been slowly reopening its stores around the world, starting with its 42 locations on the Chinese mainland, as countries have redesigned and closed systems.
Apple’s focus so far has been less on selling products to its virtual stores to appeal to customers and more to open its Genius Bar for applications and repair services. The company had to shut down its refurbishment operation on the site in March as part of its numerous store closures, meaning some customers had to wait to pick up products that were locked or otherwise easily repaired and returned by mail. With more store openings, Apple will allow consumers to come back to download devices, either through curbside Pickup or through the store service, depending on the location.
Retail CEO Deirdre O’Brien published a blog post earlier this month outlining Apple’s public access to its stores and other security measures it took to keep customers and employees safe. “A facial mask will be needed for all our teams and customers, and we will offer it to customers who do not bring it. A temperature test will be done at the door, and health questions will be provided to those who have these symptoms – such as a cough or a flu – or who have recently been exposed to a person with COVID – 19, ”O’Brien wrote. Additional steps include in-depth cleaning of all floors, display products, and other car-filled areas.
“We have also taken this time to look at how we can best serve our customers’ needs, whether online or in our stores,” continued OBrien. “For most stores, that will mean picking up an option and dropping off. If you choose to shop online, we can send you to your home or make your new items easily available in our stores.”