Apple experiments new seating bar design
Apple Inc. is experimenting a new design for the Genius Bar that will feature a 10-foot long table perpendicular to the back wall with seats on both sides, replacing the traditional design model of a desk at the back of the store.
The new design model is still in the experimental stage and is not seen across most of the Apple stores. It is an attempt to increase the seating capacity at the Genius Bars, which is a section of the Apple store where “Geniuses” assist customers with new purchases, training, and broken items.
With the new design, the Genius Bar table can be rotated up to 90 degrees, allowing 12 persons to seat as compared to the previous design that seated seven. This would provide 71% more seating capacity from the previous design. All wires and connectors will be stored under the table while the Geniuses’ equipment will be stored in the drawers on the back wall.
The new Genius Bars will also reportedly emphasize the use of iPads to manage customer service records, aiming at giving Apple's touchscreen tablet a greater presence in the company's retail chain. With the new design, Apple is also planning to phase out the kids’ tables usually found at the back of the stores. The new Genius Bar will be about 15 inches from the rear wall and feature at least one currency drawer, with no visible outlets on top of the table.
Apple has not disclosed whether the new design will eventually be rolled out in all its stores. Initial reports suggest that the design would be more suitable for narrow stores.
