Grand Central Apple Store - Media Unveil

Today at 10am, select members of the media are invited to a preview of the Apple Grand Central store unveil.

Apple currently has 350+ retail locations in 11 countries and is on the cusp of celebrating its tenth anniversary in retail this May.

But, it’s New York that will see its fifth store (and one of Apple’s largest), when they open the doors of its Grand Central Station location,  Friday at 10am. 

According to PC Mag, the store is 23,000 square feet and was once occupied by a restaurant. Apple reportedly signed a ten year lease with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (better known to us New Yorkers as MTA).  But it’s not met without controversy and is allegedly being investigated by New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli.  PC Mag writes,“Apple's contract, however, doesn't allow for any revenue-sharing with the MTA; New York State is reportedly investigating the deal to determine whether or not the MTA gave Apple "overly generous terms on its lease."

They won’t have any trouble getting customers as Grand Central’s website breaks down the demographics: 

· 750,000 people pass through Grand Central daily and over 1,000,000 people during the holidays

· Mean household income for Grand Central Terminal commuters is $95,800; 50% of household incomes are over $100,000, and 20% are over $200,000.

Doors will open at 7am weekdays hoping to catch that morning commuter a few hours before most other stores.  Weekends will see doors open at 10am. 


Notable additions to the store:

• Use of Apple Store app - can make purchases and pick-up in store
• 15 minute express workshops at this location
• Can check yourself out without an employee at all locations (update to Apple app)