Apple Store Walk-Ins/Browsing Still Not Allowed???

[BradyGOAT]

Hi All,

Has anyone been back to any Apple Stores since they dropped the mask-mandates and check-ins? Have you noticed any Apple Stores that are still holding firm to the check-ins and tight controls for how many are allowed in that are not tied to local Covid lockdown controls? Apple said they dropped all controlled check-ins and reservations except for instances where local requirements call for it still.

I have tried to go to 2 Apple stores in Massachusetts very recently, in Braintree and Dedham MA. They are only a 10-12 mile distance between them. Braintree (in a mall) allowed people to do walk-ins freely and browse the products, but it was packed and I wasn't able to look around much. The other store in Dedham (outdoor shopping plaza), I tried to go in and I was told its reservation only and restricting to the number of people in, and are still doing the old health checks. I was told there would be a 1 hour+ wait, while I only saw 2 people shopping around, and many store associates standing around and goofing off. There are no local regulations on store access, at the door health checks or limits to store customer capacity.

Any idea what is going on? Is this completely left up to the Store Manager's discretion from store to store?

 

[macbookm1airlover]

Where I am at in the US, my Apple Store is pretty flexible on the check in times (went there about a week or so ago to get an M1 MBA). I got the impression that masks were still required. Assuming it would be up to the Store Managers as to how "loose" the regulations are.

 

[BradyGOAT]

Where I am at in the US, my Apple Store is pretty flexible on the check in times (went there about a week or so ago to get an M1 MBA). I got the impression that masks were still required. Assuming it would be up to the Store Managers as to how "loose" the regulations are.

Thanks for the reply. It must be, but its surprising and disappointing its left up to a store manager's whims and personal opinions, and not centralized and organized from corporate.

 

[KaliYoni]

It is possible Apple allows each manager to determine COVID policy for their store, although given the way Apple has historically operated every aspect of its business and designed and marketed its products, it seems unlikely.

My guess is that the difference is due to either local (city or county) regulations or because one store is in a mall and the other is a standalone location. Stores in malls are subject to a lot of rules set by the mall owner, including opening hours, days of operation, architectural standards, and the like. So the mall Apple Store probably has to adhere to whatever COVID restrictions are imposed or forbidden by the mall.

 

[BradyGOAT]

It is possible Apple allows each manager to determine COVID policy for their store, although given the way Apple has historically operated every aspect of its business and designed and marketed its products, it seems unlikely.

My guess is that the difference is due to either local (city or county) regulations or because one store is in a mall and the other is a standalone location. Stores in malls are subject to a lot of rules set by the mall owner, including opening hours, days of operation, architectural standards, and the like. So the mall Apple Store probably has to adhere to whatever COVID restrictions are imposed or forbidden by the mall.

I agree, its typically not how Apple runs things. Its not the town/county. I live in the area and looked it up, and there are no local restrictions that I can find. I also went to a few other stores and a small restaurant there, and there are no similar measures in place at all with the outdoor mall operator. I'm thinking its maybe a store manager going rogue.

Highly unlikely anyone will see this, but Apple Corporate if you read this, you might want to check on this and do an audit on other stores as well. This is a decision with a multi-million dollar impact that goes against your publicly stated position and strategy on store re-openings.

 

[0128672]

What's odd is that for the status of store's "openness," both Dedham and Braintree have the same description (from apple.com/retail), which is:

"We’re open and look forward to welcoming you. Shop by walking in, reserving a one-on-one session with a Specialist or buy onlineand pickup in store. Get support at the Genius Bar in store or by making a reservation."

That sounds like you should be able to just walk in and shop. It makes me wonder if there was an incident and they temporarily reverted to the more restricted status.

Apple says "not all stores have resumed full operations" in its retail FAQ "Plan Your Visit."

Apple Store Online

Shop the latest Apple products, accessories and offers. Compare models, get expert shopping help, plus flexible payment and delivery options.

www.apple.com

 

[poked]

I have! July 4th. Checked out the purple M1 imac, no wait time or anything. Only thing we needed to do was wear masks for unvaccinated customers. We’re in a fully green state, though so YMMV.