Apple’s first store in Austria will open this coming Saturday at 9:30 am in the heart of Vienna.
Called Apple Kärntner Straße because it’s nestled on the famous pedestrian shopping street between St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera, this upcoming outlet features Apple’s next-generation retail design with “Today at Apple” sessions, Genius Bar support and other creative services offered in Apple Stores around the world.
The flagship retail store is also near the Stephansplatz square and the Stephansdom cathedral, which is one of the tallest churches in the world.
Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, was quoted as saying:
We can’t wait to join the bustling city of Vienna, a European crossroads so rich in history and culture. Apple Kärntner Straße brings the best of Apple together with our products, services and educational programs. Everyone is welcome to connect, be inspired to learn and unlock their creativity.
The three-story store uses space formerly occupied by clothing company Esprit. Shoppers can explore and try out Apple’s full line of products in Austria’s first Apple Store, as well as join free “Today at Apple” sessions every day, including Photo Walks and Sketch Walks that take participants outside the store to explore nearby sites in Vienna.
“The 150 employees at Apple Kärntner Straße together speak 44 languages and will welcome the millions of people that visit Vienna’s Golden Quarter each year,” notes Apple.
Other offerings include sessions specifically for educators and children, such as Kids Hour on Saturdays, customized support for entrepreneurs and app developers in the Boardroom, Genius Bar for technical support and advice and more.
I live near Austria and it’s always struck me as odd that Apple wouldn’t operate a flagship store in such an important city as Vienna. Now I have an excuse to hop on a train, explore the beautiful city of Vienna and enjoy the world-class Apple retail experience.