Apple 表参道

Apple store 表参道店に限ったことではないが、Appleには多様性がある。

変な髪型をしたスタッフや、ぼろぼろのジーンズ、アップルロゴの入ったTシャツを着ていなければ、スタッフとは分からない人ばかり。

町中で会ったら、ちょっと強面の話しかけにくい様相のスタッフもいる。

そんなスタッフたちも話しかければ、普通の人。
いや、普通の人よりもいい人（？）

丁寧すぎる接客は、本当に嬉しい。
その分、待ち時間が長くなるのは、必要悪のようなもの。

どういう教育をしたらこの雰囲気を作れるのか...
そもそも、教育ではなく採用なのか...
余計なことを考えてしまう。

そういえば、Apple store で買い物をしたのは初めて。
ポイント等を考慮すれば、家電量販店で購入した方が実質的に安いけど、Apple store で購入するメリットは十分にあると思います。

いつも混んでいるので、時間に余裕を作って買い物を楽しむことをお勧めします。

This Apple Store is the newest among many scattered around Japan and the third in the greater Tokyo area after Ginza and Shibuya. Like with Apple's products, a LOT of thought has been put into the overall design, functionality and efficiency of the space.

This location is at the top of the hill near Omotesando Crossing and is surrounded by major foreign fashion brands, boutiques and posh establishments. This of course means the store makes a fashionable but tasteful statement with its signature timeless design elements of spaciousness, sleek blend of natural and man-made materials and lighting.

The main floor is covered with tables displaying all Apple hardware products from desktops to portables to iOS devices. The far left half of the floor is often used for events and seminars, and I can say that the two I have attended connected with Yelp have been good and fit right in to the store.

The center of the floor houses the signature (and now patented) circular glass stairway leading down to the subterranean floor. The spiral, unsupported other than its internal structure and engineering design, is beautiful as well as functional. Take a look at the details and you'll be quite impressed, if you're into those kinds of things.

For the rest of you, enjoy browsing through the collection of accessories throughout the basement floor. Unlike the main floor, which displays products only on the tables, the walls and tables are efficiently used to display accessories. Note that there are many Apple Store only exclusive items not found at your other big box retailers in Japan. If you've done your research in advance, it's a great showcase of those items you read about and drooled over online.

As usual, there are no discounts here, but given the currency exchange rate changes, sometimes you can find items cheaper than in the US, for example. One other note is many accessory brands will create special Japan-Apple-Store-exclusive models that you won't find even at Apple Stores in other countries. There's always a balance of premium local brands and those from overseas to choose from. YMMV.

So aside from the store, the layout, features and products, what's left? Customer service, of course. Apple has one of the highest CS ratings year after year and this store is no exception. Staff will try really hard to answer all your questions without any hard-sell. I've even asked tough questions on purpose to see how the answers (I already knew) would be found, and the staff have always remained calm, friendly and professional, even if I ended up walking out without having made a purchase.

So why not a five star rating? I'm saving that for the day I make a big ticket item purchase. Really look forward to what MY end-to-end purchase experience will be. However, I also know what to expect as I have accompanied more than a few friends on their first purchases of iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.

Recommendation: Use the Apple Store iOS app to do your research in advance. Save items to your wish list then make the final check in-store. The app is also very handy for making appointments for seminars and the Genius Bar, complete with calendar reminders, contact and map info.

I got a brand new iPhone6 on the first day of its sale. There was a long queue in front of the store but I pre-booked my iPhone6 from its website in advance and came here at the specified one hour time frame set during the booking so I did not have to line in the queue.

I told a clerk about my booking and she checked it with her handy terminal (enhanced iPod touch) and escorted me into the store. In few minutes she brought me my iPhone 6. The purchase process was very efficient. Her handy terminal has a credit card swipe slot so I could pay on the spot. That's it! Easiest ever buying a brand new iPhone on the first day of sale in my experience.

Apple Store Omotesando is the third Apple Store in Tokyo just opened in June this year. Huge retail space comparable to its Ginza store. Located just in front of A2 exit, Omotesando subway station.