The fact that it's being reported this was all John Browett's idea (the new head of retail at Apple) should come as no surprise to anyone from the UK, since before joining Apple last year he was CEO of Dixons, a struggling and highly maligned British consumer electronics store.<p>I don't think <i>anyone</i> who had direct experience of shopping at companies previously run by John Browett would say his appointment by Apple was anything but a bad idea.
(1) They rescinded this decision publicly --- a spokesperson (not Browett) conceded it was a mistake, which is ominous.<p>(2) The Apple stores I've been to have been comically overstaffed, with badges & blue shirts sometimes outnumbering customers, despite large numbers of those customers. Many of those retail staff don't appear to be doing anything. Perhaps they need more people at the "Genius Bar" and fewer on the floor.
Everything about this seems contrary to Apple's image. Particularly, I'm struck by the comment suggesting that Apple Stores need to learn to run leaner, "even if the customer experience suffers." That's such a bizarre statement for any consumer-focused organization to say publically, especially Apple.
Not loading for me, here's the Google cache:<p><a href="http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:b80XchM7tM4J:www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2012/08/15/store-personnel-cuts-linked-to-profit-goal/&hl=en&gl=us&prmd=imvns&strip=1" rel="nofollow">http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:b80XchM...</a>
Incredible. The one time I've been into an Apple store there wasn't anyone available to talk to about a Macbook Air I was seriously considering buying, and eventually after drooling for a while I got cold feet and wandered out of the shop...<p>No wonder they reversed the decision!
From the article:<p>"Update: Within 24 hours of this posting, a story by The Wall Street Journal stated that Browett had admitted the personnel changes were a mistake and the changes had been rescinded."
They need to focus on opening even more stores here in the Mid-Atlantic region (US).<p>There are 3 Apple stores within a 40 mile radius here in MD and each one is always mobbed; hour wait or more to have your issue fixed.<p>Their customer service at the Apple stores is a huge reason I haven't yet jumped off their bandwagon. Have a issue with your iDevice, just take it to the Apple store for an immediate fix; many times at no charge. I don't think other platforms offer this level of service no?