At 10:05 I could hear a loud count down shouted at the other end and they were let through (even then the balloons didn’t drop). Some made a run for the Apple Store (others walked past), leaving the people at my end in some confusion, still being held back, until a few made a break for it. This lead to the normal human need to follow the crowd and stampede. Many rushed down to the Apple Store, but were made to form another queue against the wall opposite the store before being let in. I still managed to be in a line with about the first 15 people, had I been further back I’d would’ve gone home.

Hey you, get to the back of the queue.

There was some confusing as we were let in - other shoppers were either trying to squeeze past the store, or when trying to walk in were being ushered away down the line, not realising it was anything special. There was the usual noisy clapping, shouting and hooting as we entered, this was mainly from the Apple staff - not the people coming in. We were also extensively filmed & photographed by Apple’s staff, for no doubt more promotional videos, (like I saw during my Apple interview/seminar). I kept my hood up.

Once inside, I picked up my T-shirt from a guy I had been to the seminar with. I called him Vicas for some unknown reason. I couldn’t remember his name, it might’ve been close? I apologise if he ever reads this. I shook his hand, congratulating him. The (not so) funny thing; I’m sure he admitted not knowing that much about Macs at the seminar, but he does have a friendly face. I also spied another guy who had talked way too much during the seminar and is now one of their greeters! I guess Mac knowledge isn’t high on Apple’s wish list to work in a store (I think I’ve a right to be have my nose put out slightly - how could they not want MisterMac! heh).

Many shops remain empty

The shop seemed pretty generic, not very big but nicely laid out as you’d expect. After a look about and quick play with an iPhone (forgetting to look at the MacBook Air). I remembered to enter the competition, once I found it. I also took some photos, which you can see here.

After leaving, I found the queue stretched right down to the old Lion yard. I’m actually unsure if some of the people in the queue knew what they were queuing for. I have a feeling some just thought it was still for the grand opening of the mall, or maybe I’m wrong and a lot of those old Grans really are Mac users? You never know!

Whilst walking out via John Lewis - one of the staff asked me "what is in those boxes?". I explained it was a T-shirt and he seemed slightly disappointed. They are one of the other major stockists of Apple products, so I cheered them up saying the Apple Store still don’t give that free extra two years guarantee, unlike themselves. They thanked me heh.

Chic Apple Store, right next door to the classy
Clinton Cards. That’s gotta make you grin.

I kinda felt sorry for the other shops, most had more staff than customers in comparison, the guy at the Sony store looked quite miffed as I left with my Apple T-Shirt box.

Update: Just noticed my story has been linked by MacDailyNews - just to add; the Sony store isn’t in the Grand Arcade, it’s around the corner in Lion Yard , I just past it on the way out - I think the guy was more bemused. My old Sony Trinitron CRT TV has been going strong for 18 years, so not a comment on their products, but their stores do need modernisation.

Saturday I think will be the real test as to what shops people are actually interested in. Top Man, that’s where I plan on going. Now I would’ve queued if they were handing out free T-Shirts, well they might do sizes other than large, or perhaps I should eat more pies!

Update: On Sunday the Apple Store was pretty full when I went past.

There’s still many empty shops in the Arcade, some of the new shops have just moved in from other parts of the town centre, leaving closed stores elsewhere. Hopefully we’ll get some real new stores soon, and not just expensive brand stores (not everyone in Cambridge is rich).

Update: I saw on the local news that they did let the balloons down later, with dancing girls! They don’t mention the Apple Store, odd considering it had the most interest. Still, I can’t believe I missed that, instead I was inside a Mac shop. Here’s hoping I win something.

T-Shirt; only comes in large.

Tags: Apple store, cambridge, grand arcade

Tags: Phorm