Apple yesterday previewed its new retail store scheduled to open this coming Sunday, November 18, at 12pm local time Located on the famed Parisian shopping avenue known for its theaters, cafés and luxury shops, Apple Champs-Élysées will replace the previous store (now closed permanently) that was located beneath the pyramid of the iconic Louvre museum.
The multi-story historic space revives original details of the Haussmann-era building, paying tribute to Paris’s rich history and creativity. The company has carefully restored the building’s facade and entryway, with the exterior’s Burgundy stone carried throughout the building.
According to Apple:
Several of the design features also serve an environmental purpose. A sculptural roof light covers the courtyard, providing sunlight to the space below and generating renewable energy with integrated photovoltaic panels. An integrated rainwater collection system provides water for the bathrooms, trees and green walls.
The store includes all elements of Apple’s next-generation retail design, including large spaces with lots of light, trees inside the store, a massive video wall, sequoia tables for showcasing products and wooden cabinets for accessories, a business area and more.
Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail:
The energy in Paris is electric and it will be one of our premier cities for ‘Today at Apple’. I hope that everyone who visits Apple Champs-Élysées will be inspired to unlock their creative curiosity and learn something new.
The upper levels are lined with French oak parquet floors in yet another nod to Paris’s rich past. Apple has even restored the detailing and interconnected spaces of the quintessential Parisian apartment in an effort to revive the building’s original spirit.
Apple’s design tzar Jony Ive commented:
Working within a historic Parisian building is a great responsibility and a phenomenal opportunity. Our first priority was to honor the history of the building, while thoughtfully updating it to create spaces both grand and intimate. The carefully interweaving layers are warm and light filled, celebrating the timeless spirit of the city.
Apple even transformed the inner courtyard into a gathering place, called Forum, that’ll be home to “Today at Apple” sessions focused on photography, music, coding, design and more.
Apple Champs-Élysées will offer free “Today at Apple” programming. Local customers can sign up for these free sessions by visiting apple.com/today. In the first week, this new flagship store will host sessions with popular musicians, filmmakers, animators and more.
The location will employ 330+ employees, including 100+ new hires.
Apple’s made sure to highlight the groups racial diversity: “The group represents fifteen nationalities and speaks seventeen languages, with more than 200 employees joining from other Apple stores in Paris and around the world.”
The iPhone maker also set up a special webpage to promote and celebrate the new Champs-Élysées store. Like its other retail locations, this one’s powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
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