Apple Reportedly Tinkering With Expanded Genius Bar Layout

[Michael Essany]

Owning the most profitable square footage of any global retailer in human history, Apple takes very seriously what it does with its retail space. And from the reports we've been hearing, it looks like a change could be coming to the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store.

On Sunday, Gary Allen of ifoapplestore.com reported that Apple is, indeed, making adjustments to the Genius Bar setup at one store location (with the underlying suggestion being that this is a corporate test that could lead to wider implementation where appropriate and feasible).

According to what is evidently revealed in the image presented, the service center is notable for its bigger than normal table as well as its position in the store. The change is said to have come about in the wake of concerns regarding crowded stores and limited space for iPads on the Genius Bar counter.

Apple is testing out a new configuration that increases Genius Bar capacity, and emphasizes the use of iPads to manage service records. The designers’ solution to Genius Bar crowds was to pivot the GB table by 90-degrees so that it’s perpendicular to the rear wall of the store, and to eliminate the iconic kids seats and tables.

For now, there's no way of telling how widespread this change may go across the Apple retail landscape. But one thing is for sure. There are plenty of Apple stores that aren't large enough to accommodate some of these changes regardless of how sorely they may be needed.

Source: ifoapplestore.com

[BenderRodriguez]

I can't imagine this taking effect because they keep things in those drawers on the wall, things like iPhones, iPods, iPads, random junk, someone could easily steel something if the geniuses weren't looking with slight of hand

[Own3d]

They've already made the change here in Jacksonville. 5 days without apple store

[Dazz187s]

Was told they get paid less then what anyone could make at Burger King.