The Backlash Against Apple’s ‘Town Squares’
We need public spaces more than ever. Apple wants to own them.
In 2016, Apple Senior Vice President of Retail Angela Ahrendts — formerly CEO of high-end fashion house Burberry — announced a new concept for the tech company’s wildly successful retail stores. No longer would be they simply be shopping locations; Apple Stores were to become community gathering spaces, or “town squares.” Eventually, Apple would drop the “Store” moniker altogether in a nod to the new concept.
The plan has some upsides. As part of the reconceptualization, Ahrendts wants to expand the space for classes, improve the Genius Bar area, and add meeting spaces for local businesses and entrepreneurs. These are all within the scope of what we might expect from a company trying to improve its customer relationship.
Apple intends to create privatized public spaces centered around its pseudo-religious glowing white apple.
The issue is with Apple’s plans for the exterior of its stores. The company wants more green space, and more places for people to hang out even if they aren’t shopping. Essentially, Apple intends to create privatized public spaces centered around its pseudo-religious glowing white apple. It hopes…
