Apple’s redesigned Fifth Avenue Store reopens public tomorrow, bigger and better than ever. However, the landmark New York City store replaces a trademark Apple architectural design — the glass staircase — with a twist.
Fifth Avenue Apple Store reopens
Originally opening its doors in 2006, the New York City retail outlet is one of the most iconic Apple stores in the world. However, Apple closed it in 2017 for a total overhaul that greatly expanded the store’s size.
The underground Fifth Avenue Apple Store boasts a unique concept. Above ground is what appears to be a giant, empty glass cube. Visitors enter at ground level and then descend into the store.
Fifth Avenue store is now considerably larger
When the Fifth Avenue Apple Store reopens, customers will find it almost twice the size of the original version. Apple also added higher ceilings and more natural light, courtesy of 62 miniature skylights. In addition, Apple updated the staircase, replacing the original glass one with a new stainless steel spiral staircase boasting 43 cantilevered stair treads.
Photo: Apple
The larger square footage of the store will accommodate daily “Today at Apple” sessions. The area dedicated to Geniuses is also twice the size, meaning that there is dramatically increased service capacity.
“Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and Apple Fifth Avenue is for them, to inspire them, and to provide the very best place to discover our newest products,” said Tim Cook in a statement. “It’s unique among Apple stores, and today it returns even more welcoming, and even more beautiful than ever. We’re so proud to be a part of this great city where so much happens every day.”
Photo: Apple
The Fifth Avenue store will reopen at 8 a.m. local time Friday. It remains the only Apple Store in the world to be open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Have you ever visited Apple’s Fifth Avenue store? What is your favorite Apple Store in the world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
