LONDON (AFP) - Apple is to open its first retail store in Europe on Saturday, a state-of-the-art boutique in central London selling the latest products from the US computer and technology group.
The two-floor store on London's landmark Regent Street will also offer customers the chance to learn about Apple's latest innovations and services, and will contain a "Genius Bar" where visitors can put questions to the experts.
An area designated "The Studio" will allow customers to get free one-on-one help with their creative projects from trained Apple staff who specialise in photography, publishing, movie-making and music.
The shop will also boast two specially equipped studio classrooms and a 64-seat cinema where customers can attend workshops, demonstrations and other special events.
"The Apple Store Regent Street will offer the first opportunity to experience Apple's unique retail stores in Europe, where customers can shop for and learn about the company's innovative products and solutions," the group said in a press statement.
When it opens at 10:00 am on Saturday (1000 GMT), the Regent Street boutique, complete with well-illuminated steel, glass and beech fittings, will be the 99th Apple store to have opened since May 2001, including two in Japan.
11/19/2004 - 18:19 GMT - AFP