On November 20, 2002 MacCentral reported that Apple was planning its first retail store in the Seattle, Washington area. Actually, it’s planning two.
Besides the previously reported Puget Sound area store (due to open May 10), one will also be built near the University of Washington. According to a Seattle Times article, construction will start soon on a store in the University Village mall. The company is already advertising for employees.
Approximately 70 stores are planned to be up and running in the U.S. by the end of the year.