PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Full details of Apple’s planned Covent Garden flagship store have been revealed, after planning documents were filed with the City of Westminister.
The store, which would be located on the corner of King and James Streets and just across the road from the historic Covent Garden covered market, would be only the fourth in the world to be across three levels.
The plans also reveal that Apple is planning to move its growing European headquarters retail headquarters to the building, a move many resellers are likely to hope means its direct and channel operations working closer together after they called for better communication at the company.
So detailed are the plans that they provide an as yet unseen foresight into an as yet unopened store. Details from the ground floor having flooring of stone, alongside the mezzanine and first floor levels retaining the traditional oak features is information no normally revealed until the store opens its doors.
The store will also feature a glass-spiral staircase but will lack Apple’s usual lighted logo due to concerns from local residents and retailers that it may impact the area’s feel. Instead the retailer will opt to use a white logo on a black background, similar to its New York Soho store, according to the plans seen by PC Retail.
However, there are concerns voiced by the properties current owners that the planning authorities may not grant permission, warning them "Apple is unique at the current time in terms of its offer and ability to retail within architecturally significant buildings.
"Unlike many other retailers, it seeks to restore and enhance these spaces, allowing its brand to sit within property that are sufficiently important, so as not to detract."
There was no indication as to when Apple plans to open the store.
