"The first Apple store in France will open its doors on Saturday, November 7, in the heart of Paris, in the shopping mall of the Carrousel du Louvre . The apple brand will then open its second French Apple Store next week in Montpellier. A third shop is planned before the summer of 2010 in Paris, in the district of the Opera.
The first Apple Store in France brings to 277 the number of Apple stores in the world . These stores, which were founded in 2001 in California, allow Apple to sell its product line, but also to consolidate its relationship with its customers.
? "We are opening our 277th Apple Store here in Paris, and this store is probably the most significant for us," said at a press conference Ron Johnson, vice president of Apple distribution. "The Louvre is a true cultural institution, world renowned, and it is a real chance to be able to settle in this architecture unique in the world".
? In an area of 800 m2 divided into two levels , the first Apple Store in France consists of a space dedicated to different Mac computers and iPod walkers, a section entirely dedicated to the iPhone , technical assistance and repair, the "Genius Bar". Customers will also be able to purchase software and accessories compatible with Apple products.
? This store is based on a team of 150 employees , some of them trained in California, at Apple headquarters. The staff consists of vendors as well as specialists who can provide clients with individual training.
? After the Apple Store at the Carrousel du Louvre, which will open to the general public on Saturday November 7 at 10 am, Apple will inaugurate its second French store in Montpellier on Saturday, November 14th. A third Apple Store will open in Paris in the first half of 2010, near the Opéra Garnier.
According to Apple, nearly 170 million people have visited this year in the various Apple Store . The company founded and run by Steve Jobs now has Apple stores in ten countries : the United States (with more than 200 countries), Japan, Australia, Canada, China, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France.
"On the occasion of the opening of the first French Apple Store, located in Paris, in the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall, the Louvre Museum launches its iPhone and iPod Touch application on Thursday November 5th.
? Available for free on the App Store, the app store dedicated to the smartphone and the Apple touchscreen, this tool allows to discover a selection of works exposed to the famous Parisian museum, explanatory texts, photographs as well as visits video capabilities.
? The application, available in French and English, also provides practical information about the museum.
? The Louvre Museum is the most visited art museum in the world, with nearly 8.5 million visitors in 2008.
