Apple Store

I recently visited this Apple Store to purchase a Macbook and an iPad. It took quite awhile to get an employee’s attention probably because the store is always busy no matter what time of the day you go.
Once I did get someone’s attention they were very helpful. They were surprised I did my research and enjoyed the conversation from another «techie». The prices are standard Apple prices. However I am happy with my Mac and my wife is enjoying her iPad. The employees are super helpful even with customers all over the store. If I buy another Mac I won’t hesitate to stop back.
Also I knew this but some don’t, you can’t actually pay with cash. You have to pay with Credit or Debit which isn’t a big deal to me.

I am not very impressed with this location, always too much crowded, sales persons have no time, they are not very helpful as well. They have enough models in store but when something new is in the market /​don’t even try this store, it would be back ordered, mark my word and just try yourself.

This store is always busy. I’m here at 9 AM and even then there is a line up for people waiting to get in. The people here are generally very friendly and helpful which I like. The prices — well they are what they are. Apple products are known for their unwavering prices. They don’t go on sale for the most part. Today, I came in here because my daughter’s headphones had broken inside the iPod she was using. Luckily, she was able to get the piece out of the iPod otherwise the iPod itself would have been hooped as well. The fellow we were dealing with basically told us good job getting the piece out of the iPod and too bad for you — obviously it’s your fault the headphones are broken and you’re on the hook for new ones at a cost of $ 35.99. This whole process took all of 3 minutes and really could have been done by the person who looked at the headphones in the first place the day before instead of telling me to make an appointment to come back. If they weren’t going to deal with it on a warranty issue and just chuck them in the recycling bin why bother wasting my time and have me return? I was impressed today with the service for sure. In fact, if you are going to take something for recycling — perhaps giving some credit for the customer to purchase in store would be a nice way to encourage them to stay and stop in the store? Instead, I went elsewhere and purchased a different brand as I just didn’t want to be there anymore.

I’ve only ever come here once and this was just a few days ago as my fiancé bought me a new iphone from here and I wanted to upgrade to one with larger memory.
Upon arrival during the weekday evening, the store was semi-​busy. There were still plenty of apple workers roaming around. We were approached pretty quickly and handed off to a female employee who was going to help us. I don’t remember her name but she seemed rushed and not very helpful while we were dealing with her. I told her why we were there and that I was hoping she could show me new features with the iphone 6s (as I was upgrading from the 4s).The only two thing she showed me was the new feature with iphotos and how it takes a short clip before and after the photo (she stated it was a «few seconds before and after» which I know to be untrue just from previous reading where it states it’s «1.5 seconds» on either side). The other feature being the pop up preview on certain apps like imessage and mail. That was it. I had to ask about warranty and the construction of the phone. I even asked about the type of glass they used for the front of the phone and how prone it is to break if dropped to which she simply replied she didn’t know and hadn’t dropped hers yet. She didn’t even attempt to find out answers. So it appears she did not have the best knowledge and overview of the phone and it seemed pointless to ask her anything else.
I proceeded to go through with the upgrade which she processed. I also purchased a case to go with the phone which was another $ 40.
All in all poor and disappointing customer service. Unlikely to return here even if I need something.

DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU NEED SOMETHING REPAIRED
Last Saturday I visited Apple Southgate because some keys stopped working on my MacBook Air. I had to make an appointment for someone to look at the computer and come back in an hour.
The young lady who I finally talked with was knowledgeable but misled two critical pieces of information: Whether or not my MacBook would be covered under warranty and whether or not they had parts in stock. It was as if she was telling me what I wanted to hear versus the truth.
Diagnosis was fairly quick. Open Notepad, start typing, and watch how the keys respond.
The MacBook was checked in with a 3 to 5 day estimate. When I asked about the Labor Day holiday I was assured Apple has techs on duty every day and the holiday wouldn’t be cause for delay.
When I got home and checked my e-​mail there was a note from Apple confirming my MacBook had been submitted for repair. The work order indicated that the device was OUT OF WARRANTY even though I had presented a receipt and was told otherwise.
According to Apple I was past the warranty period by 2 days. This means Apple is now balking at me over two freaking days on a one year warranty. After fifteen or so minutes on the phone, the AppleCare rep finally agreed to cover the repair. Then went on to try sell me 2 more years extended warranty. Forget that. Extended warranty offers poor value for money spent.
Three days in I ring the store. Not only is the automated phone system a nuisance to deal with, I get routed to a call center not in Canada. It was indicated to me that repair was in progress. «In progress» should mean finished by the next day right?
Wrong. «In progress» means that the device is with apple and repair is not complete. Apple does not reveal to clients how far along the repair is. Meaning I had no way to find out if my MacBook was still waiting for a tech, on the bench being repaired, or waiting for parts. I learned later that parts had to be ordered, contrary to what I had been told earlier.
In the end the repair took longer than quoted. The MacBook was dropped off at 1330h on a Saturday and not ready until 1730h the following Thursday. This is longer than the 5 days quoted.
The keyboard is working again and the MacBook is back on my desk. My next repair will NOT be done by Apple at Southgate. Apple as a company was easier to work with before the Apple stores came about and they relied on independent dealers.
My final advice if you’re looking to have an Apple product repaired: Call around to the various shops and find out their wait times. If you need your device as part of your business, plan ahead as to what you might do if you have to be without it for a week. Apple didn’t seem to care about the fact I’m running a business.

I got a new laptop, and a hardware malfunction basically turned it into a brick. I can’t fault Apple for that, since they don’t manufacture hard drives, so it could really happen to any computer.
When I came in the exchanged it and I was out the door with a new one very quickly.

Generally I only visit the Apple Store when I need some sort of tech support. And seeing as I don’t own THAT many Apple products, it doesn’t happen that I need this terribly frequently. But it is necessary and it’s a good thing that Apple Stores exist for these purposes! I’m not terribly fond of exploring the products that they own in store, but for technical support the physical Apple store is well worth a visit. I visit the Southgate location the most, partially because of the LRT connection to Southgate and partially because it’s a nice location overall. I get good service from staff and I like the method of booking appointments in advance online so as to not waste my time when I get to the store.

I’m a big Apple fan and always have been even back when they were almost bankrupt and Microsoft saved the day (oh how things have changed). So it is no surprise I love the Apple Store. I was skeptical as to how popular they would be when they first rolled them out but even years later they are packed with people consistently. It is amazing but Apple still has twice the sales per square foot of any other U.S. retailer!
I always enjoy popping in just to browse the new computers/​phones/​watches and play with them a bit. I also like looking through the accessories section to see what doo-​dad might be interest to get.
Service is usually very consistent with Apple. I have had to bring in a few items for repair in and out of warranty. They deal with things very well and I have always been happy with the service I have received.

This is my jillionith dead iphone, but really most of the times it’s my fault.
I’ve dropped them, accidentally dunked them, had them covered in good and I use my phone 99% of the time when I’m awake.
Every time my little darlings die, I bring them here and usually they get fixed up right quick no problems, and no charge!
Eat that samsung users!
Today I brought in my phone because the battery was dying. It’s an Iphone 5. That’s like ancient, so they looked at it and just said… «hmmn, looks like the battery is physically swollen» and since there is no external damage (I love cases).
Here’s a New Phone! On us!
THANK YOU APPLE!

You can’t beat the customer service at Apple. Seriously. Let me give you just a few examples of amazing customer service I’ve experienced…
1) Way back in, oh I dunno… 2007? I had an issue with my iMac. The power supply went caput. It was out of warranty. Guess what? Apple fixed it for me anyway at no charge.
2) Bought a new macbook in 2013. Noticed that the coating on the plug was chipping off. Apple stuff has great resale especially if in mint condition, so this matters to me. Took my laptop in, and they grabbed a brand new one off the shelf, in the box and everything and gave it to me. Didn’t even care that I didn’t have the charger for my mac, let me take the new box with another charger. Now I have two chargers :)
3) Was treated like idiots by a particular genius bar person who was rude, arrogant, and not at all what I expect from Apple (this was in late 2014). I sent an email to Apple regarding this, received a phone call the very next day from store manager who brought us in and replaced our phone that was having an issue. They care.
4) I bought a phone case as a gift for someone (two weeks ago). He didn’t like it. I returned it and wasn’t asked 21 questions and the product was inspected with a fine tooth comb like they do at other places. Yes, it’s just a phone case, but some places are real jerks when it comes to returning something.
So my point is… over the years, always consistent customer service.
Sure, I pay a premium for Apple products. But they hold value more than any other brand. I’ve sold all my old iPhones for several several hundred dollars each. And I sold my old iMac and an old macbook pro as well for big bucks.
So ya, I love Apple. They can have all my money and my first born.

The staff here are amazing, they must deal with crabby old ladies like myself on the daily.
I was extremely disappointed with my iphone 6, and cracking the screen was just the tip of the iceberg. I was prepared to pay the fee to get the screen replaces and they fixed the whole phone.
Shout out to Steve and Jake for helping me even though I was being a handful.

Last month I installed a software update for my Macbook, and suddenly everything stopped working. My word processor software wouldn’t work, and even though it said I was connected to the internet (and I know for a fact my wireless router was working just fine) it still said I was offline. Trying to be a freelance writer without internet or a working writing software is pretty difficult, so I popped into the Apple store on a whim, with hopes they might be able to fit me in for an appointment.
Victory! I got my Macbook in and let the staff know about the problems I was having. It took a couple of days, but then I got a phone call saying everything was fixed. I went down and the girl working said it was good to go. When I asked if it could connect to the internet I got a, «oh was that the problem?» Yes. yes it was. I can handle the missing Word software, that can always be reinstalled or rebought, but not being able to email articles to my editors is an issue.
And no connection. So that was frustrating, but they took the laptop in right away to get fixed, and hopefully this time for real. The next day I got a call that the Macbook was fixed, and the internet was working and connecting. Unfortunately they had to wipe everything clean from the Macbook, but luckily I had all my files (documents, photos, etc) backed up on external flash drive.
Even though they didn’t actually fix the problem right away, because the issue was a problem with an Apple update (and not a third-​party software), and even though it took a few days the fix was free. Hopefully my Macbook will last for several more years without any problems.

Service at this Apple Store was pretty good with attentive staff that were willing and eager to help. If you had any trouble shooting needs, you can also make reservations for a visit with the Genius Bar online right on the Apple Store page. It does book up in advance so keep that in mind.
The store is set up much like many other Apple stores with tables scattered throughout the entire store and «tills» attached to these tables. Staff carry around little machines attached to iPhones that are used as registers and they can pretty much help you out anytime making line ups (unless you go on a busy mall day during holiday season or on a release day etc) more a thing of the past.
The products are a bit pricey given that we are paying a little more than we should just for the name «Apple»…but I can’t lie, I love their selection of cases and accessories. They don’t have as much as the little mall kiosks do for phone cases but all the ones they carry have a very sleek and clean look to them. They also carry life proof cases! Plus you can get your fitness bands (jawbone up, Fitbit, etc) there as well!
There are only 2 apple stores in edmonton that I know of but just comparing it to Apple stores in other cities or countries, I’d definitely give the costumer service and helpfulness of this Apple Store a higher than average rating!
Yay team iPhone :)

theres a concept called supply and demand. Your store is gonna be busy the first few months the new phone is out… here seasonal employees to help free traffic. Theres a demand for more employees so… supply them! This should be a simple concept for the socially challenged dweebs that work here. Not only are there employees few and far between but theyre extremely socially challenged. DISMISSIVE AND RUDE! SHAME ON UR POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE APPLE!

You want an accurate satirical review of Apple Store? Look up Arse Store from That Mitchell & Webb Look series on BBC, YouTube. Be prepared to stay at Arse Store for well over 2 hours and be prepared to be bounced around from employee to employee, especially when you’re already on time for your appointment. This was my first time booking an appointment with them to see if my iPhone had software or hardware issues.
I was really ready to give a rating of 1 out of 5 on Unilocal with my iPhone 4S when being told that I have to BOOK an APPOINTMENT (again) come back this Sunday to get my iPhone looked at. Um, hello? I’m right here. Does Apple Store always have such terrible customer service?!? When I played music or videos, there’s no sound. When I call others, they can hear me but I cannot hear them.
A. The layout of the store is confusing. Where do we sign in? How do we know which one is the Sign-​in guy? Where can I sit while I wait? I got shuffled so many times. So, it peeves the Genius guys where I sit. Duly noted.
B. The employee who first helped me was not a good listener. Her name starts with an S. I tried to explain the issue with my phone, but she kept cutting me off, insisting it was the speaker module that needs fixing. So, she was being very pushy about the speaker modular fix. $ 65 + tax. I made sure I read the agreement before signing: it pretty much says you have got 90 days if the repair doesn’t work.
Fine. 20 minutes later. I had to wait another 8 minutes just to get my phone back. After paying for it, I made sure to check the speaker fix was «IT». Nope. I went back to sign-​in guy. I may have thrown a bit of a civil hissyfit, pretty much emphasizing that I should not be punished for the employee’s wrong diagnosis of MY iPhone. I even demonstrated how it hasn’t been working since yesterday evening.
Finally, Darren (sign-​in guy) and Cole (who was very accommodating) understood that I just really wanted to pay to get a working phone again. Since my one-​year warranty ran out, I had to shell out $ 199 — with the adjusted credit of Apple’s mistake, so $ 140+ for a new phone.
C. Here’s the funny thing: you don’t even get to choose the colour of the same GB size of iPhone.
D. The quality of service, as I observed, really depends on the person helping you. Darren later told me that speaker modular repairs are very rare at the store.
If you really have to go to Apple Store for repairs, I wish my fellow Unilocalers great luck! Next time, my phone will be an Android, so I will never have to put an iBag over my head to hide my frustrations at this rectangular device.

My son’s 6 month old iPhone quit working, so I made an appointment to have it checked out. We arrived about 20 minutes early and were told they would not help us until the scheduled time even though the store was empty. We returned at the appointed time, were told to take a seat at the Genius Bar (really?) and we would be helped right away. Well, I think right away means 5 minutes, not 20.
When we were finally helped, the phone was unfixable and so we the warranty was honoured and we were given a new phone.

I don’t think I’ve ever walked out of this store disappointed. Clean, well lit and very very busy!
The staff are always extremely helpful, but it’s sometimes hard to get their attention because they are so busy.
I like being able to play with new gadgets and perhaps because the sales reps are so busy there is never any pressure to buy.
I love that the Apple Store will give you free sim cards for your iPad, especially when they are $ 10 at Rogers!

Friendly, efficient, helpful, and slick… every single time.
I’ve had about 10 apple devices in my life and maybe have visited the Apple Store 20 times. I rarely visit to browse, I’m usually there to purchase or for repairs. I’ve never had a bad customer experience and I’ve had some major problems with my devices; mostly self inflicted, but a couple of times were bugs and defects. Every time, I left the store happy and with a working device; either fixed or replaced.
I was back in the store today just to pick up a SIM card because I can get one free from the Apple store whereas my provider charges $ 10.50. That prompted me to give the Apple Store the kudos it deserves.

The Apple Store can be an incredibly busy place — only two of them in Edmonton, population: 1,159,869 (May 10, 2011), not to mention traffic from as far as Red Deer or Fort Mc Murray. Not to mention Saskatchewan where they have NO Apple Stores. Apple is an amazing technology company and as such they showcase their technology in every aspect of their business. Read this review if you want to understand how the Apple Store works.
Finding Help:
Maybe you have questions about the iPad or you’re finally looking to buy that new MacBook Pro with Retina display. You want your experience to be as quick and effective as possible. Apple knows this and that’s why they implemented something called the SmartSign. The SmartSign is an iPad mounted on every table beside every product on their sales floor. If you tap on «Specialist» and select «Yes, I have questions» you will be put into a queue line for the first available sales person (called a Specialist). Now you can play with those toys on the table and not have to worry about flagging someone down. Rest assured knowing someone may be on the way, though you should expect to wait a few minutes if the store appears crowded.
Technical Services, Repairs, Troubleshooting:
IMPORTANT: The Genius bar is a popular place, book your appointment early! (read more below)
The Apple Stores have a truly amazing in-​store support service called the Genius Bar. An Apple «Genius» is an Apple-​Trained and Certified technician. They aren’t just well trained at fixing your computer but they truly try to empathize with your situation. They understand that a broken computer or device is not a happy experience. They will do everything they can to relate to you and assure you they will do everything they can. That said, if you physically damaged or liquid damaged your electronics you can expect to pay for that repair. Despite rumors, Apple does NOT cover accidental damage (unless you purchased the new AppleCare + released in Canada early 2012 for iPhone or iPad).
Booking a Genius Bar Appointment:
It couldn’t be easier — there’s really no excuse not to other than you simply didn’t know they booked appointments. You can visit the store website (
) to reserve an appointment or use the Apple Store app to book from your iPhone or iPad. Remember to be on time! The appointment won’t get held for you if you’re late and the next appointment can be well over an hour away if you show up late. Also expect to wait if you show up with no appointment at all.
In-​Store Training:
Are you new to Mac? Maybe you’re not new but you’d like to learn how to make an awesome video using Final Cut Pro. Apple Store’s have an amazing yearly training membership called the One to One membership where where you can get one-​on-​one, personalized training sessions. It’s cheap and you can come in as many times as you like for an entire year training. For what it costs, One to One clearly doesn’t make Apple a ton of money. It’s all about training you how to master the Apple world. Think about it — when you go from 0 to 100 in 8.40s do you think you would ever drive anything else?
Business Team:
If you’re using your Apple technology for work or business, or if you’re even just thinking about using Apple technology for work or business you seriously need to check this out. This is a completely FREE service, and it’s undoubtably the Apple Store’s best kept secret. Every Apple Store has a team dedicated to business solutions and business customers. Their functional knowledge relates more to business use than any other employee in the store. The Business Team members are the only members in the store distinguishable by a different colored shirt — they sport a Black Polo with Apple logo on the sleeve, under it simply the word «Business». These are your people if you have business related questions, purchases, orders, etc. They also have a dedicated Business Team phone line and email.
Also related is a premium business service called Joint Venture. If you have many Macs and Apple Devices within your business and you simply can’t afford to be down a machine or have members of your team unfamiliar with the technology, you need to ask about this. This is not a free service, but a paid yearly membership. And for what you get it is an absolutely amazing price!
I have been a huge Apple fan all my life. My father bought his first Mac computer before I could even speak. The way the Apple Store showcases Apple technology in every corner of the business is truly incredible. It’s an amazing, complex system of people and technology, but yet when the end user interfaces with it, it’s intuitive and actually quite simple. Push a button if you need help. Don’t wait in a lineup. Pick up the device and play with it. Browse at your leisure without feeling pushed or pressured. It’s these important components and so much more that makes the Apple Store such an incredible store unlike ANY other!

I’m not an Apple fanatic, but I’d be lost without my iPhone and inconsolable without my iPad.
There is something suspiciously cultish about the whole Apple fanboy/​fangirl thing. Remember when Macs were faster because of those old Motorola chips and then suddenly 2.5 times faster still when they switched to those «slow» Intel chips?
Regardless, you can’t help but stare in wonder at an Apple Store. They’re these sleek stainless steel and pine showcases for all those sleek and shiny Apple products. There is always a horde of knowledgeable staff all eager about the product they sell. There is even a «safe zone» where you can approach an out and out geek (oh, they call them «geniuses») safely kept behind a counter at the back. One great feature is you can book a staff member on the store website for a personal shopping experience.
You have lots of touch and play time and opportunity with all the gadgets. I also appreciate that they have a lot of accessories and subsidiary gadgets. Apple seems to be more picky about the third party stuff they carry and I feel better about buying something not made by Apple there than at the Best Buy.
Buying stuff is a breeze. If you use plastic (I’m not sure who’d use the briefcase full of cash you’d need to buy a Mac), the staff check you out right on the floor with their super iPod Touch devices. You can even have the receipt emailed to you instead of walking out with receipt lettuce.
I was at this store on opening day which was also coincidentally iPad launch day. I have a friend who works there, a Apple fanatic from birth (Shout-​out to Dave), who advised me that I could come at 08:00 to both see the store open and to pick up an iPad. When I got there, there was a line down both sides of the corridor for iPad. They dropped the curtain and opened the store right at 08:00, and I spent only about 20 minutes in line (chatting with friendly Apple people) when I was assigned my personal shopping aide and handed my iPad of choice. I was out in 30 minutes despite the crowd. I actually felt sorry for the people who camped out.
Love Apple products or hate them. These are great stores, really pleasant to be in, learn in and even buy stuff from.