The developers of the open lot next to the Apollo now seems to be pushing for an Apple store on the lower levels according to Curbed:
LINK. There is a lot of media attention now to the proposed retail space since yesterday's Wall Street Journal article was published which states that the construction of the new building will start in six months if the right retailer secures the lower floors. There's currently talks with the Apollo for the third floor (for office space) but the big question will be if a high profile company like Apple will establish a presence on Harlem's 125th Street. The above rendering from the developer's site is basically just wishful thinking at this point:
LINK. Thoughts?
No way will apple open there. They refused to open a store on 34th street after Jobs saw the street because he didnt feel it was classy enough for the Apple brand, but his language was much more harsh. I dont think apple sees harlem residents as their customers, and I really dont think that Apple would feel that they are in good company given that there are no other high end retailers on the street.
ReplyDeleteWell, it might be wishful thinking, but what an awesome vision and rendering. Something like this would do wonders for 125th.
ReplyDeleteChris can dream of his Hyatt. I shall dream of this.
ReplyDeleteHaha...cheers Sanou's Mum. The Hyatt is yesterday's news. Now THIS is the real deal ;)
ReplyDeleteApple in Harlem, talk about an anchor!! With Apple would come so many other retailers. Chances of it happening slim to none but it would be fantastic for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Apple shareholders who live in Harlem should send them emails.
@Hank Williams:
ReplyDeleteI don't see it either, but I'm not exactly broken up about that.
At least another hotel would be useful. ;)
Harlem is the 2nd biggest tourist destination next the Times Square.
ReplyDeleteSteve Jobs would be making a mistake in not putting an Apple Store
there!! There are a number of low income projects next the the Apple
Store in Chelsea.
As someone who uses Apple products and is a big fan of Apple (as well as being an Apple shareholder) I would welcome an Apple store on 125th St. Anything to save me the trip downtown. That being said I agree with Hank that there are retailers who have had no too nice things to say about coming uptown (i.e., Barnes & Noble) and to this day I'm sure they regret that decision.
ReplyDeleteSo, one continues to dream & hope! Also, is that space big enough for Apple? Look at their other spots downtown, they are massive, which is a good thing, people aren't all over one another like in other retail spaces.
Greg, Barnes & Noble is one of those stores that I would have loved to see on 125th. I think you are right, they probably do regret not opening up here. I think they would do incredibly well with Columbia being so nearby.
ReplyDeleteChris its more that CCNY is so nearby not necessarily Columbia as the bookstore on Columbia's main-campus and @ the Medical School Campus are Barnes & Noble subsidiaries, I think?
ReplyDeleteI seriously think Apple would do brisk business on 125th, and they would likely win further points for being "visionary"...
ReplyDeleteI like it and it makes sense. Apple would open up shop adjacent to the renowned Apollo, on a rezoned famed strip, situated in an iconic neighborhood that is heavily trafficked. The Apple/Apollo relationship seems natural in that those interested in the arts are undoubtedly attracted to the possibilities that technology can provide in enhancing the impact of expression. Furthermore, the two institutions would benefit Harlem's forward momentum while preserving its past.
ReplyDeleteThis can be Apple's entry point in the emerging market scene of Harlem. If it doesn't happen this time around, it will eventually happen.
ReplyDeleteWell, some excellent points there. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Apple did take into account the excellent PR that would be gained from opening some sort of academy attached to the Apollo (in conjunction with the store). Incentives from the local authorities? Maybe Apple have too much money to care, but D, you are spot on, there is something to the Apple/Apollo relationship.
ReplyDeleteI hope it's true, but that rendering looks half-hearted to me and I can't imagine it has Steve Jobs blessing. The space looks generic and the Apple logo is carelessly done. All other Apple stores in NYC are very distinctive architecturally.
ReplyDeleteOn the surface, I like the idea of incorporating some sort of academy. However, if the plan is to cater to tourists - it may not be the best fit. Perhaps an Apollo themed Cafe/Restaurant? I wonder if roof-top concerts would be feasible?
ReplyDeleteIts not going to happen. Not in this world, anyway. Not nearly enough foot traffic of core Apple demographic.
ReplyDeleteApple could take a page from Mac Cosmetics book and come to 125th or at least come to Harlem. I will be sending a letter to the CEO. :)
ReplyDeleteJay, I think you're being a bit cavalier in defining the "core Apple demographic" -- given the degree of consumer market penetration already achieved for the iPod and iPhone, here as elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteTo the extent that Apple's portable products are already popular among Harlemites (and they are), an uptown retail location would serve as a foothold to push more iPads, Macs, accessories, etc.
Likewise, to the extent that the uptake of Apple products is not yet as high among local consumers as in other areas of Manhattan -- then that's exactly the location they *should* be targeting next.
Of course, Apple likely knows the reality better than anyone. They know (for the most part) the zip codes of their existing customers. They have likely modeled the consumer effects of opening a store in a new area. Their retail people have no doubt looked at Harlem already --of course their conclusions are anyone's guess.
If Apple were to decide to make a move uptown, I do see this location as being a plausible (and perhaps even compelling) fit. Only time will tell.
My husband still proudly wears an old Macintosh T-shirt, it says:
ReplyDelete"Once you go Mac you never go back!"
I would love to see an Apple Store on 125th with that slogan ;)
@Abelive. Love it.
ReplyDelete