For anyone outside the United States, the dearth of official Apple stores has been painful. Here in Canada, we’re moderately lucky: we’ve got three in Toronto, Ontario, and one in Laval, Québec, a suburb of Montréal. But West of the Saint Lawrence and the Great Lakes, there isn’t one giant illuminated Apple logo to be found.
If you’re to believe the Edmonton Journal, that’s about to change: the paper reported over the weekend that Apple plans to open a store inside North America’s largest shopping centre, West Edmonton Mall. They got their intel from the mall’s president, Don Ghermezian, who also claims the store will occupy 6,000 square feet of retail space and bring in $30 million a year. Estimated opening date? July 1, 2008 — which happens to be Canada Day. Coincidence?
Of course, it’s my duty to mention this is not confirmed in any way by Apple and the details could all be bogus, but we assume the mall’s president and an important local newspaper both have at least some credibility. Or maybe not. You be the judge.
If you live in the area, it is worth mentionning Apple is advertising jobs for that location on their website…
[via ifoAppleStore]
All due kudos to the folks in Edmonton if this is indeed true ... but for god's sake, Edmonton before Vancouver? I weep bitter tears.
Probably because of the all the oil money in Alberta. I do appreciate the Canadian flavoured Apple news. Much appreciation from a fellow Canadian.
I feel very lucky that I am within 1 hour driving of 3 Apple stores here in Toronto. Canadian news is much appreciated!
Faboo! Just got a couple of the store job descriptions off the site.
An Apple store would make it worth getting out on a day like today, when it's -23F and the wind chill is -47F. On a sunny day. I've been communing with my mini (and my husband's PC) all day.
Actually, there is a massive flasgship and downtown mall anchor Apple Store going in right on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver. The job ads have been up for 4 months already. It will open in a few months. It's a massive renovation project, replacing a small department store.
Rob, don't worry the Apple store in Vancouver should be opening early this year. It's going to be in Pacific Centre in part of the old Holt Renfrew department store. It's right across the street from the Granville skytrain station. I take a peek at the progress every time I pass it on my way to work.
W00t and apple store in Edmonton. I can't wait. We already have Westworld Computers that has been here circa 1990, but still to have a real apple store with genius bar and everything is so exciting.
I am surprised that they chose Edmonton, but hey that is great. Maybe I will have to get a job there...sweet.