Apple exec offers peek into retail roll-out; including ‘jaw dropping’ London and Shanghai stores

“As the economy began to turn down in fall 2008, Apple’s executives made a strategic decision to dial down the number of store openings for the next year, betting the downturn would offer them significant savings from depressed lease rates,” ifoAppleStore reports.

“Turns out, they were right, said Apple COO Tim Cook during a session at this week’s Goldman Sachs annual Technology & Internet Conference in San Francisco,” ifoAppleStore reports. “Cook said the company has now turned up the dial on store openings, opening about 50 stores this fiscal year, including Shanghai and London store opening this summer that he called ‘jaw dropping.'”

ifoAppleStore reports, “Cook touched on the world of retail first by saying the iPad will launch first in Apple’s direct channels, including its retail stores, its on-line store, the education sales force, and other direct sales forces. The device will also be available in the indirect channels that have assisted sales, he said, including the Best Buy store-in-store locations. Lastly, the iPad will appear at international Premium Resellers, which Cook said offer ‘incredible Apple experiences.'”

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