New York – With more than a thousand eager customers
standing at the ready, and several thousand very curious New York City
commuters looking on, Apple opened its newest store in
today.
The location holds a prime position in the historic train
station, covering the north and east balconies that overlook the terminal’s main
concourse. There is also an interior portion to the store, with the entrance
located at the top of the building’s primary staircase.
Several hundred red-shirted Apple store workers lined the balconies
and stairs in the lead up to the grand opening, periodically breaking out into
chants of “Apple, Apple!” or synchronized hand clapping.
Those people waiting to be the first in the store were
shunted down a long corridor off the concourse, with many standing in line for more
than three hours before the doors were open.
With a countdown reminiscent of what will take place a few
blocks to the west on New Year’s Eve, the employees ticked off the final 10
seconds to the official door opening at 10 a.m.
The Apple loyalists were then let out of the holding area in
waves of about 50 people. They hustled down an aisle created by the store workers
and up the staircase where they were greeted by the remaining staffers. Both
sides took a constant stream of video and photos as they walked in.
The store employs 315 people and is the fifth Apple location
in New York City. At 23,000 square feet, it is Apple’s largest store.
Grand Central Terminal is a massive railroad station located
at 42
nd
Street and Park Avenue. It is one of New York City’s primary
railroad and subway commuter hubs, with an average of 700,000 people coming
through some part of the building each day.
The entire building was renovated several years ago and is
now host to about 70 stores and restaurants.
