Despite the dramatic impact of the coronavirus on retail, Apple has announced that it plans to continue expanding the number of physical Apple Stores operated by the company.
Apple has already planned a major expansion of its global chain of Apple Stores in the past and regularly renovated existing stores. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the entire retail sector. For this reason, the Apple Online Store has also been redesigned accordingly. According to Bloomberg Apple has now said that it is sticking to its expansion plans. In a brief statement to the Funke Media Group, Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail and People, Deirdre O'Brien, confirmed the move. She explained:
Apple Via del Corso: Apple's newest store in Rome
On our online site, people can learn a lot about the products. In a store, they can touch them and get a feel for them. We plan to open more stores.
O'Brien did not provide any further details - including whether the plans apply worldwide or only within the States. However, wherever Apple builds, it is a sign of confidence in the return of retail. Large retailers around the world, such as the British fashion chain Topshop, have collapsed, while others, including Microsoft, have closed their stores permanently. Apple has not been unaffected by this either. The company recently followed the majority of retailers and closed its stores at the MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Likewise, Apple has just opened a new large Apple Store in Rome. The Apple Via del Corso is located inside the large Palazzo Marignoli, which Apple has renovated. (Image: Apple)
