Yet another report has appeared regarding Apple’s alleged plans to open a chain of retail stores. This time the source is the Pittsburgh Business Times. Writer Tim Schooley quotes an executive from commercial real estate firm CB Richard Ellis as saying Apple has plans to open several stores in the greater Pittsburgh area.
It would seem that Apple’s retail plans — if true — are one of the worst kept secrets the company has had in recent memory. Rumors have abounded for the better part of a year that Apple is considering opening up a chain of retail stores, as PC computer maker Gateway has done with its own Gateway Country stores. Spots in Chicago, Ill. and Palo Alto, Calif. have been suggested, along with various other locations around the country.
When asked, Apple representatives won’t comment on such speculation. When confronted directly by curious analysts even Apple CEO Steve Jobs has refused to comment, but he’s been careful not to openly refute the idea as well, saying only that he wouldn’t discuss “unannounced initiatives.”
The Pittsburgh Business Times article said that according to CB Richard Ellis Executive Vice President Herky Pollock, his real estate company is scouting potential retail locations for Apple in and around Pittsburgh retail markets in Shadyside and the North and South Hills. Pollock said that Apple’s western Penn. locations should be open by the end of this year.
Schooley said that Apple is expected to open its first retail locations in the next couple of months.