Apple Begins Reopening Its Retail Stores — Here’s What To Expect When You Arrive
Apple reopened somewhere around 100 of its Apple Stores in the United States this week according to MacRumors.com. If you need to visit an Apple Store to get service at the Genius Bar or make a purchase, there’s a few things to consider before heading to the store. First, your nearest Apple Store may not be open. You’ll first want to confirm that by visiting Apple’s Retail website and viewing the website of your specific local store. Click here to see the full list of Apple’s U.S. retail stores. In Middle Tennessee where I live, Apple CoolSprings reopened this week. But one county over, Apple Green Hills remains closed, likely due to that county’s differing regulations or guidelines for retailers. If your local store is open, note the store hours as they may be different from the store’s usual hours.
If you’re making a purchase, first consider ordering it online and having it delivered to your home or business rather than going to the store in person. But if you do prefer to purchase something at your local Apple Store, use the Apple Store app to purchase it ahead of time and schedule your pick up at the store if you can.
If you’re making a reservation at the Genius Bar, make sure you book your appointment ahead of time on your local store’s website. You’ll likely still be able to be seen by a Genius if you arrive without an appointment, but you may have to wait a while and bide your time by walking around the mall for a bit. Apple also offers phone and chat support options as well.
When you arrive, the experience is going to look quite different than what you’re used to at an Apple store. Apple’s retail locations are usually bustling with a mix of staff and customers asking questions, exploring products, and getting service and support. And that environment is at odds with Apple’s desire to implement social distancing in its stores. Here’s what Dierdre O’Brien, Apple’s head of retail posted in a blog post on the front page of Apple’s website:
In every store, we’re focused on limiting occupancy and giving everybody lots of room, and renewing our focus on one‑on‑one, personalized service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store.
We’re also taking some additional steps in most places. Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own. Temperature checks will be conducted at the door, and posted health questions will screen for those with symptoms — like cough or fever — or who have had recent exposure to someone infected with COVID‑19. Throughout the day, we’re conducting enhanced deep cleanings that place special emphasis on all surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas.
I visited my local store, Apple CoolSprings, earlier today to pickup a purchase. I was first greeted by a contracted security company employee who took my temperature using one of those thermometers that don’t require physical contact and was then directed to a place to stand. There were a few people in line ahead of me. I only had to wait a couple of minutes before a masked Apple employee greeted me. She was cheerful and quickly retrieved my purchased product and brought it out to me. I was never asked the posted health questions, but that may be because my visit didn’t actually require me to enter the store. I knew about the mask requirement ahead of time and brought mine with me and wore it the whole time I was outside the store.
I know we all have a mix of opinions about COVID-19 and what safety measures are and aren’t necessary. Franky I think Apple’s being unnecessarily cautious with its requirements. But I also firmly believe that a private business is entitled to set its own rules for what how customers are to dress and behave in its stores, so I willingly complied. Above all, please be respectful and courteous of the Apple retail staff. They’re easing back into regular work after an extended hiatus and are working hard to serve all of their customers as best they can.
