iPhone's are insanely cool and useful, too!
Alright. I’m following up to a post this past Monday looking for pockets of brightness in a recession. I found proof this past Monday afternoon with a trip to the Apple Store in Shadyside. For Christmas, my wife surprised me with a gift card for an iPhone (I must have been very good this year!).
I usually avoid Shadyside like the plague and I’ve been at the business end of massive crowds at the Apple Store before. I spent the better part of a week a few years ago trying to get the keyboard of my old PowerBook repaired. Two years ago, the Apple store was buzzing with people of all ilks buying everything from iPods to iMacs and anything in between. It was a beautiful example of capitalism in full motion.
At first, I hesitated to go back to the Apple Store, remembering the crowds and my general impatience for everything. However, I figured the hype must have died and after all, no one is spending money. So my trip to pick up my iPhone should be an “in and out” affair with little to report.
Man was I wrong. The Apple Store was a complete mad house. At first I was annoyed as I had to wait 15 minutes for a sales person to fetch my new iPhone. In less than 30 seconds, I was actually quite pleased. I was so thrilled to see people spending money on technology. I know this is anecdotal, but it goes to show you that not all is lost. The sales woman said the store has been going full tilt with little lull in activity. In fact, a friend of mine owns West Liberty Cycles and he reports an up year overall for sales. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I know times are indeed tough for many out there, but there are signs of hope.
Oh yeah, the iPhone is completely insane. I do believe that aliens live amongst us and are trickling down their technology. Wait, scratch that. I forget that humans are pretty dang smart and we innovate like it’s no one’s business. Another reason to be extremely hopeful going into 2009!
Hello,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I had a similar recent experience at that store, purchasing the new Apple iPod for my daughter.
Although the store was busy, we were waited on right away, and the employees there are always very knowledgeable and helpful.
I share your comments on it being good to see people are still (and able) to spend money on technology.
Larry, you’re absolutely right that Apple’s service at the the Apple Stores is terrific. With huge crowds, they manage to get to everyone in a timely fashion.