Apple has posted a series of job listings today and earlier in May for retail positions in Brooklyn, confirming that the company plans to open its first store in New York City's most populous borough in the near future.
Apple's jobs website lists typical retail store positions, including Creatives, Experts, Geniuses, Specialists, Business Leaders, and management, while recent LinkedIn postings seek a Retail Manager and Senior Manager specifically in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's population is estimated to be over 2.6 million, which as a city would be the fourth largest in the U.S. behind the rest of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, yet there remains no official Apple Store in the borough.
Rumors point towards Apple opening a retail store in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in the second half of 2016. Apple reportedly signed a long-term lease for a 20,000-square-foot space at 247 Bedford Avenue, at the corner of North 3rd Street, and construction has been ongoing since 2015.
Apple has opened six retail stores in the neighboring borough of Manhattan, including Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, SoHo, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and West 14th Street locations, alongside one store in both Queens and Staten Island.
Apple is also expected to open a retail store inside the Westfield shopping complex at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan later this year.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the grand openings of Apple's first two retail stores in Tysons Corner, Virginia and Glendale, California, and the company marked the occasion by inviting media for a preview of its new flagship Union Square location opening in downtown San Francisco on Saturday.
Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts outlined all of the new features of that store, some of which will be adopted at other locations worldwide.
- Genius Grove: A section at the center of the store designated for customers to receive support side-by-side with Geniuses under the canopy of local trees. This area is able to accommodate more customers than a traditional Genius Bar commonly found in other stores.
- The Forum: Apple describes this area as a “vibrant gathering place” next to the large 6K Video Wall, where “Today at Apple” sessions and other daily and monthly events will be hosted related to education, creative arts, music, games, and more.
- The Plaza: Apple has connected its Union Square store with the surrounding community with The Plaza, an outdoor area open 24/7 and featuring a 50-foot green wall, public Wi-Fi, seating for 200 people, and a fountain created by sculpture artists Ruth Asawa. Apple says the space will feature live acoustic performances.
- The Boardroom: A room with tables and chairs at the back of the store where Apple’s Business Team can offer hands-on advice and training to entrepreneurs, developers, and other small and medium business customers.
Keep track of Apple's retail store developments by reading our Apple Stores roundup.
