MACS

[karenlindner]

Apple store may say as much about Spokane as firm's success
Posted on: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:27:41 EDT
Symbols: AAPL

Aug 29, 2010 (The Spokesman-Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
In 2004 the company that owns River Park Square contacted Apple Inc. and asked the maker of Mac computers and iPods to open a new store in the downtown Spokane mall.
The tech company replied with a curt "No, thanks." Its Cupertino, Calif., retail managers never gave a reason for the rebuff, said Robert Smith, a spokesperson for River Park Square, owned by Cowles Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.
Six years later, trendy and cash-flush Apple has decided now is the perfect time to build a retail store in Spokane's downtown. Taking over the two-story space last used by Eddie Bauer near Main and Wall streets, this will be Apple's first Inland Northwest store.
Spokane retailers say Apple's arrival is big news. But they're also asking: What changed since 2004?
Did Spokane develop more retail credibility? Or did Apple change its rules for where it builds stores?
According to local managers and analysts, the answer is both. Spokane's downtown has proved itself a solid and robust retail destination, say area business managers.
Plus, Apple is now building more stores across the country to capitalize on its brand's skyrocketing popularity. Thanks to the success of products like the iPad and the iPhone, cities like Spokane are big enough to help the company keep growing, said Apple analyst Charles Wolf, based in New York with Needham & Co.
An Apple spokeswoman did not provide answers to questions about its selection of Spokane. Even after an Apple logo was painted last week on the construction site, spokeswoman Amy Barney said no announcement has been made about the Spokane store.
City officials have said the store is likely to open in September or October.


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