Re: User Groups and Apple Stores
Re: User Groups and Apple Stores
- Subject: Re: User Groups and Apple Stores
- From: Michael Briney <email@hidden>
- Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 08:23:37 -0500
As Apple continues to open stores across the US, I am curious to find
out
which User Groups have benefited from this. Has your User Group had
any
special events at the store (store supported or informal)? What type
of
interaction has your group had with the staff and management?
Aloha,
Rick Ortiz
President- Maui Apple User Society
Greetings Rick...
Regarding the relationship between the local Apple Stores and our MUG
(Apple Corps of Dallas).
I'm a relatively "new" person in this area, and new with
"non-professional" MUGS, having transplanted from the So. Cal area
But I think I'm getting a feel for what is going on here - so let me
try to shed some light on the Apple Store/MUGs relationship in the DFW
area
We are "lucky" to have 2 stores in the Dallas area to go to - find
quality assistance -a knowledgeable staff and great product
at...however, MUG support is sporadic to non-existent for our MUG (not
speaking for any other). And in a lot of cases its not at all the Apple
Store Managements' fault. Some of the other issues are location, space,
location, competition and location. =-)
The Knox Street store, which is closest to downtown Dallas and closer
to 95% of our constituency is one of the smaller designed stores -
without a stage/presentation area. So even though store management has
been good about "local" support - there isn't really much they can do.
The Willowbend Store in Plano (just north of Dallas and closest to me),
therefore bears the brunt of the desires for everyone (including
planned store events) to use the podium and podium space.
Understandably someone loses out in that planning exchange. Plus - this
area has the added complication of many long-standing, (competing)
MUGs. Most so small they could fit in my mini-van.
Apple Corps of Dallas (celebrated 25 yrs on Jan 29th of this year) and
Cowtown MUG (Lesa Snider's) are the largest in this area and (at last
count) there were at least 2 other "official" MUGS and 4
"free-floating" SIGs (as well as 1 excellent 'almost' MUG - the BigDMG)
in this market.
I've discussed Apple Store availability with management a few
occasions, and it seems that availability is hinged mainly on what
promotion Apple is pushing that quarter (or new release) or what can we
present (not ourselves directly) that is different from what everyone
else is already presenting...
...which when looking at it as a retail outlet, who's sole existence is
based on selling product - is not out of line or unexpected, or wrong.
Michael Briney | 24-7-365 Nationwide Support
Apple Consultant's Network & Regional Champion South Central US
Director - Apple Corps of Dallas, MacCSE, ADC, Member of DAMED
http://www.michaelbriney.com/
214 477-2832 | 972 964-9069 (fax)
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