“Is it also possible that Browett’s experience at Dixons, and before that Tesco (the world’s third largest retailer) might just be right what Apple needs as it continues on its path towards world domination?”

We, and pretty much the rest of the blogosphere were, shall we say, slightly bewildered when Apple announced its new SVP of Retail, John Browett.

Browett is, at first glance, an unusual hire because the retail organization he is leaving seems to be the exact opposite of what Apple stands for. He was the CEO of Dixons, the well known British technology retailer.

Big box retailers couldn’t be further from Apple’s model of clean, spacious, bright and minimalistic. Apple employees always want to help, knowing that when you are in their store you have already chosen their brand. They are highly service-oriented. Big box sales staff are all about making the sale. They couldn’t care less what brand of TV you jam into your SUV after you slip the cashier your credit card.

Apple also has a tradition for promoting from within. So it begs the question, “Why did Tim Cook make this decision?”

It’s easy to criticize, but let’s remember that if we are outsiders to this decision. We haven’t seen Tim Cook as the face behind too many senior hires at Apple, but it’s safe to say that he’s very experienced hiring and firing. You don’t hold the COO position in any company without lots of people management experience.

So while it might seem like his old home of Dixons is the polar opposite of what Apple stands for, could we be guilty of looking only at the cover of the book (or the inside of the store)?

The aspect of this hire that intrigues me the most is that Apple is getting a guy with big company CEO experience. The Apple retail business can easily be thought of as a separate company. It requires inventory, sales staff, and a service organization. It requires growth plans.

And what makes running a big box retailer so difficult? Margins, pricing strategy and competition. Well guess what? Browett doesn’t need to worry about those problems. Those are Cook’s problems. Browett just needs to use his CEO skills to keep the ship moving in the right direction.

I don’t think Cook is looking to Browett for sales innovation.

Apple is already in excellent shape after 11 years of retail leadership under Ron Johnson. Apple has top-shelf problems to deal with such as how to open more stores faster (and in new markets) without screwing up the shopping experience.

There’s no question Apple has room to grow in its retail store lineup. As of the most recent financial results, Apple generated $3.5 billion in store sales, which is only 12.7% of total company sales. To me this suggests Browett’s job is more about growing the existing business and generating upside for Apple. The downside of him performing poorly is probably not something I’m interested in seeing happen, but as a shareholder this is far from my biggest worry.

Is it weird that Tim Cook is bringing in a Dixons guy? Yeah. But is it also possible that Browett’s experience at Dixons, and before that Tesco (the world’s third largest retailer) might just be right what Apple needs as it continues on its path towards world domination? Yeah. It might.

According to livemint.com, a recent change in retail laws that will allow for 100% foreign ownership of single-brands may result in Apple expanding their highly successful retail chain into India. Apple has reportedly been in discussions with the department of industrial policy and promotion for some time and is “keen” to enter the market, but not firm plans or timelines are in place.

“They have not told us how many stores they will open,” the official said. “We have made the policy. The doors are now open.”

Apple Stores in Indian would certainly be a boon for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users in the subcontinent, likely allowing them direct access to all of Apple’s customer services, including the Genius Bar and One-to-One training.

Apple had no comment on the rumors.

Source: livemint.com via Fone Arena via iPhone Hacks

Apple Stores always have interesting displays around the holiday season and 2011 is no exception. While it might not be as fancy as the FaceTime Santa and elf chat from last year, the iPad side does show off a lot of what you can do to with your Apple tech this winter.

The highly anticipated Grand Central Apple Store will be opening the doors this coming Friday, Dec 9. This location will be Apple’s fifth store in Manhattan and filled with 315 employees, and various different rooms for services like personal set up and personal training. Will you be heading out to the grand opening?

Source: Apple PR

Image credit: jennydeluxe

No idea how many Bothan spies died bringing him this information, but Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac managed to get his hands on Apple’s guidelines for Apple Store employees covering codes of conduct for social networks like Facebook and Twitter, personal websites, and inter-personal communications.

Short version: Be honest, respectful, confidential, think of the community, and stay in compliance. Apple places a huge value on their brand and their reputation and they expect employees to enhance, not besmirch it.

Long version: Hit the link below.

Source: 9to5Mac

9to5Mac‘s Mark Gurman is reporting that Apple Store Genius Bars might just be swapping out their Mac Book Pros for iPads.

Due the size of MacBook Pros, Apple has been limited to fitting only a few the computers at Genius Bars. Typically, the Genius Bar can only service as many people as computers at one time at the Genius Bar. Now, due to the size and price of iPads, Apple could service more people at one time at the Genius Bar by installing multiple iPads. Apple fairly recently instated a system called MobileGenius which runs the iOS Diagnostic service I previously detailed. This service only works with iOS devices, while the new iPads should cover Macs and Apple’s other non-iOS products, too.

While iPads can’t do everything MacBooks can do, like Steve Jobs said when he announced them, they can do some things far, far better. If this pans out, like with the iPad display rollout Apple is once again putting their stores where their mouths are.

Source: 9to5Mac

MacRumors and Heylookitsseric are both claiming Apple will be updating their Apple Store app to allow customers self-service checkout for off-the-shelf items like iPhone and iPad cases at Apple Retail.

Apple is also updating its own Apple store app on iPhone/iPod to incorporate EasyPay that allows customers to check themselves out for accessories purchases. EasyPay is the same platform Apple employees use to complete those in-store credit card purchases. Since higher priced Apple products are all stocked up in the backroom, you’ll still have to find the help of an employee. Expect the update in a few days on November 3rd, just in time for the holidays.

Hopefully Apple and their customers are both nerdier and more competent than those at my local grocery store or turn self-serve into an ordeal far beyond any staff-driven transaction. “Beep. Put the item down.” “I did.” Beep.Put the item down.” “I DID!” “BEEP! Y U NO PUT ITEM DOWN!” “HULK SMASH PUNY MACHINE!” And, well, we all know how that ends.

IN addition to in-store pick up of online orders, which Apple has also begun experimenting with in San Francisco, they’re also reportedly looking into shipping to multiple address on Apple Online to make gift-giving easier than ever.

In this day and age, when other online retailers like Future Shop make it so onerous and restrictive you don’t even want to order from them anymore, it’s nice to see Apple trying to offer more, not less, and shift the transactional burden off the customer where it never belonged.

Let’s hope it works out for everyone because either way we’re in for an interesting Black Friday and holiday shopping season.

Source: MacRumors, Heylookitseric

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 4S in 22 additional countries today, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Apple took over 1 million pre-orders in the first 24 hours in the initial 7 countries where the iPhone 4S launched, and sold through over 4 million sales during the opening weekend before opening up international pre-orders.

Will you be picking up an international iPhone 4S today? If you’re having trouble deciding which generation, color, or capacity to get, we have a massive iPhone 4S buyers guide ready and waiting, and our complete iPhone 4S review to give you the full picture.

Check it out and then come back and tell us which one you ordered!

As previously announced, Apple Retail Stores will be closed today so employees can share in Apple’s internal celebration of their co-founder, Steve Jobs‘ life.

They’ll be closed for 9am to 12pm PDT, 12pm to 3pm EDT.



On Monday morning I picked up several shiny new iPhone 4S handsets that my Apple Business rep had set aside for me earlier in the week. I knew I would be traveling over the launch weekend and I needed quite a few phones, and my Apple Business rep couldn’t have been more helpful in arranging everything.

One of the best things I ever did for NickelFish was to register as a small business client with our local Apple Store. The experience and service the Business Team provides is absolutely incredible. Knowing that you have a reliable resource at your disposal that can help you with almost any issue you run into is very comforting. As part of an initiative started [last summer, Apple has been reaching out more to local companies, and it’s been a great move.

The funny thing is, I only registered as an afterthought. I was there one day about a year ago buying a laptop for one of our staff members, and the person I was working with saw my business credit card and offered to help me join. I honestly didn’t think about it prior to this, and I figured it wouldn’t hurt. I met the manager of the Business Team (who has since become a friend) and he said he would add us to the Apple local directory for vendors, and would let interested parties know about our capabilities if anyone inquired. Again, I figured, can’t hurt.

Over the course of the past year, I have been able to email or call at any point and ask tons of questions, reserve equipment for purchase, set up service appointments and just generally feel that we’re completely cared for in our hardware and software needs. As a business customer, you’re sometimes also eligible for discounts, depending on what you’re buying. In addition to this, we’ve had leads sent our way for web and mobile development projects through our association with Apple.

But the most important part of the entire experience for me is that every time I speak to someone at the store or stop by for a visit, every single team member I interact with is exceptionally professional and makes me feel like a VIP. It seems silly, but there aren’t all that many places in which you can get this level of service without paying a crazy premium. The Apple Business Team places a high level of emphasis on making business customers comfortable and providing a completely frictionless experience. They truly are a partner to your company, and if you’re running a small business and using Macs, I highly recommend investigating with your local Apple Store and reps.

There have been some fantastic Apple Store designs already, everything from the glass cube in New York to the glass cylinder in Shanghai, but some recent designs for a massive glass roof in Santa Monica, a redesign of the glass cube on 5th Ave., and a spectacular design for Grand Central Station — not to mention the enormous new Mothership in Cupertino — show that Apple’s ready to take things to another level.

Apple already makes some of the best phone, tablet, and computer hardware in the word — precision crafted aluminum and glass. Do they really have to push the envelope in architecture and retail design as well? No, but they want to. They could spend less on the stores. They could do less. But they consider it an investment. They believe it matters. That’s what makes Apple, Apple. They’re dragging us, sometimes kicking and screaming, into the future.

Now if I could just get them to build one of those giant glass tower Flasgships in Montreal’s Old Port. Where would you want one?

Check out the pictures after the break.

[Curbed via Macrumors, Gothamist via MacStories, The Real Deal via MacRumors]

Apple opened a handful of new Apple Stores today, none more amusingly placed than the one in Waterloo, Ontario, the hometown of BlackBerry maker RIM. Starting today, anyone in Waterloo who wants an iPhone rather than Bold, iPad rather than PlayBook can just wander on over. And according to @Steve_Gamble, they seem to be doing just that:

At the new Apple Store in Waterloo today. The number of Blackberries going dark is astounding!

Anyone else attending the opening of Apple in Waterloo? Any CrackBerry.com-led protests going? Let us know!

[@Steve_Gamble]

Ron Johnson, the man who helped Apple revolutionize retail with the Apple Stores, is leaving to take over the CEO spot at JC Penney. Apple has issued the following statement to All Things D:

“Ron is excited about this opportunity and we hope it goes well for him,” a spokesperson said. “We’ve got a great retail team in place and are actively recruiting for his replacement.”

And JC Penney states that Johnson isn’t just taking over, he’s taking on a large investment as well:

As a demonstration of his confidence in J. C. Penney’s long-term potential, Mr. Johnson requested and has committed to make a personal investment of $50 million in the Company through the purchase, at fair market value, of 7 1/2-year warrants on 7.257 million shares ofJ. C. Penney Company stock. The warrants cannot be sold or hedged for the first six years of their term and have a strike price of $29.92, the closing price of the stock on the business day prior to Mr. Johnson’s commitment to purchase the warrants.

Apple Retail’s last big splash was the installation of iPads as information centers for all Apple products. Apple has probably institutionalized Apple Store procedures to the extent that Johnson’s leaving won’t have a huge impact, and it will be interesting to see if an influx of fresh blood — and fresh ideas — in the top retail spot can help take Apple further.

Anyone worried this means a lot of glass, wood, and aluminum are on their way to JC Penney outlets everywhere?

[All Things D, JC Penney]

A couple of cheeky German guys decided to have a bit of fun this weekend by defacing the under construction Apple Store in Hamburg with a Windows logo.

Now before we get too upset by this, when we say deface it, it was more a bit of fun with no permanent lasting damage. Posing as a couple of construction workers, they climbed a ladder and pieced together a poor attempt at a Windows Logo.

In fact if you wanted to be really mean, you could say that this is an excellent deterrent to any would-be thieves! Take a look at the video after the break!

[9to5Mac]

.wav from .wav on Vimeo.

Australia, being in the future, has just seen the debut of Apple Store 2.0, the recently rumored reboot that adds interactive iPads, among other things, to the retail experience. Talk about putting your tech where your money is.

Want to learn more about that MacBook Pro or iMac? Hit up the iPad next to it for feature specs, comparisons, explanations for those new to Apple, technical support, or summon an Apple specialist for additional help at the touch of a button. (I’m figuring the staff disables that little prank-in-the-waiting by end of business day 1).

As the rising sun hits more and more regions, we’re hoping to learn more about the new Apple Retail, so if you spot anything at your local store, let us know!

My only question – do the iPads have interactive iPads to explain what you can do with the iPads, on iPads?

Update: Apparently, the iPads are encased in Carbonite tough, clear plastic.

Update 2: Video, see above.

Update 3: Apple sent a note along to employees, read it after the break. [9to5Mac]

Update 4: Just got back from checking out the new store displays. The app powering the iPads is very slick, with great animated popups (Pixar would be proud) that allow for very clean initial info pages with lots of additional details (like pricing) that can be access with a tap. Apparently Apple has more planned for this app as well, and being able to update both the app, as well as prices, specs, etc. without having to reprint paper every time is no doubt one of the motivators for this new system.

The plastic encasings are perfectly fit and pretty much weld the iPads to the table so you can’t move them around. There’s a proprietary connector (not the usual dock cable) powering the iPads. It’s almost impossible to see. the Home buttons are disabled so you can’t exit out of the display app.

There are also beautifully crafted new product identifiers in the center of the tables for iPad, iPod, iPhone, etc. Typically Apple, they’re understated, elegant, and do just what they need to do without being fussy about it. (Jonathan Ive’s insistence on design getting out of the way, no doubt.)

Photos after the break.

[9to5Mac video courtesy of Glasshouse Apps]

Looks like Apple retail is getting new setups, including new iPad apps for their iPads, bringing their complement to Daily Download, RetailMe, Apple Connect, Apple Directory, Concierge, Mobile Genius, iRepair, and Easy Pay (the credit card processing app currently used on iPod touch).

Daily Download, which is a well-produced internal Daily ‘newspaper for employees’. It is incredibly stylish and functional and and much better than the previous web-based version that existed before.

It’s also being rumored that stores are getting sent install images for OS X Lion, which sounds crazy because 10.7 is still in beta — currently preview 3, and not expected for release until later this year. (Perhaps following some new features announced at WWDC 2011 next month.)

Apple seems to be lining things up for that big Apple Store 2.0 re-launch we keep hearing about. Are you going to check out your local store come Sunday to see what all the fuss was about?

[9to5Mac]

It sounds like Apple really might be getting ready to upgrade their already stellar Apple Retail experience to version 2.0… just in time for their 10th anniversary. 9to5Mac thinks they have more details on just what the reboot might entail.

• Personal Setup will have new dedicated areas in stores called “Startup Sessions.”
• The new bars are said to be even more interactive.
• [Paper product sheets] will be replaced with interactive iPads.
• “Huge” displays
• brand-new Apple Store iOS application – possibly on Sunday – that is even more interactive.

It also sounds like Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive, Apple’s CEO and Senior VP of Design, have personally taken a hand in crafting this customer experience.

Like Rene said on Twitter earlier, with all the speculation as to what big product announcement Apple was going to launch, it’s far more likely Apple Store 2.0 is the big product launch. Apple considers their retail stores a product and put as much care, design, and attention to detail into them as they do their Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

Whatever it is, we keep hearing it’s big. Are you eager to see what they’ve come up with for Apple Store 2.0? If you were in charge of the Apple Stores, what would you change?

[9to5Mac]

BGR‘s tipsters are telling them that Apple might be launching something big on May 19 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Apple Retail Stores.

• During the overnight shift, it’s going to be required that employees lock cell phones in the main office. They will also have to sign an NDA with Apple.
• Apple stores have apparently already received hardware to install, and are expecting more hardware to come on Friday or Saturday. All materials that Apple stores have received have been instructed to be under lock and key until after close on Saturday night.
• Apple employees will be putting up black curtains at all stores so that people walking outside cannot see inside.

We’ve heard previously that Apple was restricting employee leave for this event. So what could this be? It’s too soon for an iPhone or iPod touch, much less another iPad, and Apple just refreshed both MacBook Pros and iMacs. A new Mac Pro? Something totally new?

Let us know what you think in the comments.

[BGR]

Square, the credit card reader for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is now available online via Apple.com and will soon be available at Apple Retail locations as well.

Square is a revolutionary service that allows you to accept credit cards, using a reader that plugs into your iPod touch (4th generation), iPhone 4, or iPad along with a free easy-to-use app. There’s no need for complicated contracts, monthly fees, or merchant accounts. All you pay is 2.75% per transaction. You can download the free app from the App Store. Square is currently available for use in the U.S.

Costs $9.95 (and you get a $10 credit upon sign up), which is crazy for anyone who remembers how complicated and costly is used to be to get merchant accounts or otherwise setup to handle credit card transactions. TechCrunch points out:

Clearly Square is taking a bit of a bath on the device sales here. Apple is probably taking some sort of cut from the transaction, and Square is giving merchants a $10 credit, so effectively, the company isn’t really making any money. In fact, it appears that Square could be losing money on this. But an endorsement and placement from Apple could boost sales and usage for the payments device so perhaps all will even out in the end. Also, Apple managing distribution and shipping of Square devices means that the startup will be able to give users access to quicker and more efficient delivery operations.

Anyone in the US going to pick Square up and give it a try?

[Apple Online via TechCrunch]

iTunes is taking donations for the Red Cross Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. Just log in and you can one-click contribute anywhere from $5 to $200 just as easily as buying a song, app or game. [iTunes link]

Apple Retail Japan meanwhile has opened their doors to staff and their families, customers and stranded shoppers in the vicinity of their stores providing shelter, food and drink, internet access to news and connectivity to loved ones, and compensation for travel and lodging expenses. Read the full account in the link below.

[Kevin Rose]

Apple has issued a vacation time blackout period from the last week of January to the middle of February where retail employees without seniority won’t be able to take time off, presumably to ensure employee coverage for the first major product launch of 2011. Could this be in preparation for a Verizon iPhone launch?

Apple is quietly prohibiting vacation days for some retail employees for three weeks beginning later this month, a move that could foreshadow a significant product introduction in the coming weeks.

Apple is denying that the store vacation time was for getting ready for a CDMA Verizon iPhone, but all the signs suggest a possible launch may be imminent. There have been a lot of rumors floating around lately about an early-2011 Verizon iPhone release, with the latest round coming yesterday when images of a purported Verizon iPhone casing leaked onto the web. We at least know it won’t be the iPad 2, which is expected to ship in April to keep in line with Apple’s yearly release schedule.

Apple usually doesn’t initiate these types of lockdowns unless something big is coming, so what do you think it could be? Sound off in the comments below!

[AppleInsider]

Adding to the endless Beatles loops and festive iPad snow globes, Apple Stores now have their very own FaceTime Santa in the windows, spreading Christmas cheer to boys, girls, families, elves, and Mrs. Clause alike.

I caught this one on video at my local Apple Store tonight. Have you seen FaceTime Santa at yours yet? Any idea how he explains to the kids that they can indeed have an iPhone 4 under the tree but they have to ask daddy and mommy to foot the bill for the monthly voice and data plans?

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Appe Online in the US has posted their once-a-year sale prices for Black Friday and as expected, iPad, iPod touch, and iPod nano as all being discounted. Come tomorrow you’ll be able to save $15 on a brand new iPod nano, $21 on an iPod touch, and $41 on an iPad.

Accessories like the iPad camera connection kit are also on sale from $5, while an Airport Express (for AirPlay audio) is $11 off. Check them all out and plan tomorrow’s spending accordingly. (And let us know what you’re getting!)

[Apple Shopping Event page]

What says winter like an Apple Retail Store iPad snow globe, right? Complete with falling snow, curved glass, and recommended apps for just that holiday season. At my local Apple Store this new display just replaced the previous iPad on top of giant books and other desk accessories, while the poor old iPhone 4 display has been ousted in favor of giant cutout Beatles. Come on, we know where Steve Jobs’ heart is this holiday, right?

There are also some changes inside, namely a new Express Store within the store, roped off and stocked up with iPad, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and gift cards. I wonder how long those will last after the Black Friday sales start tomorrow?

Pictures after the break.

Want to save money n a brand new iPad or iPod touch during Apple’s annual Black Friday sale? Well if Australia is any indication, you’re in luck. iPad is showing a AUS$51 reduction across the line, iPod touch from AUS$25 to $51 depending on model, and iPod nano from AUS$15 to $25 depending on model.

Since Australia is in the future it makes sense the sales start there and then slowly make their way across Asia, Europe, and eventually North America, and while it’s not a lock everyone will get the same products discounted by the same amounts, it’s a fairly good indicator.

If you’re trying to decide between an iPad and a MacBook Air, or whether to get an iPad now or wait until iPad 2, check out TiPb TV for our advice.

Let us know when your local Apple Retail or Apple Online store Black Friday sales go live and what the discounts look like. Happy shopping!

Apple Online and Apple Retail have only one sale a year — Black Friday, held the day after Thanksgiving — and Apple has already got a helpful reminder posted on their website:

Come back to the Apple Online Store the day after Thanksgiving for a special one-day-only holiday shopping event. You’ll find dozens of great iPad, iPod and Mac gifts for everyone on your list.

We doubt we’ll see any discounts on the iPhone, but iPod touch has had them in the past and it’s the first year for iPad so who knows? Last year savings included $5 on a Magic Mouse, $11 on an iPod nano, $21 on an Apple TV, $41 on an iPod touch, or $101 on a MacBook Pro or iMac, so anything is possible.

If you’re not in the mood to get out of bed at 4 in the morning and would rather shop from the comfort of your own home, head on over to the Apple Online Store this Friday to see what kind of deals you can grab.

[Apple]

According to a source, AppleInsider says that within a few weeks the larger Apple Retail locations will have a new “Expert” position to fill that will serve as a roaming counterpart to existing “Geniuses”. The job description directly on Apple’s site says this position is not only available to current Apple employees who are seeking a promotion, but to anyone outside of the company that is capable and has a good amount of retail experience

“As an Expert, you’re not new to retail; you’ve had years of experience learning about and selling great products, either at the Apple Retail Store or elsewhere. What sets you apart as an Expert is the longing to take your game up a notch, to commit to a life-changing career where the challenges—and rewards—are greater than ever before.”

Interviews are rumored to begin this week, any of our reader’s ready to send in their resume?

[Via Apple Insider]

MacRumors has heard from multiple sources that Apple is planning to release a (presumably free) Concierge app for the iPhone and iPod touch that would:

…provide many of the same functions available through the company’s retail store online reservations system, allowing customers to schedule Genius Bar and One to One appointments from their mobile devices. Sources have also indicated that the application will allow users to keep tabs on their premium membership subscriptions offered by the company.

Since the current option is via the web (screen shot above), it sounds good to us. If wanted to schedule service or training for your iPhone, Mac, or other Apple gear, would you use it?

Up until now, the only places to get iPhone 3G in Canada were Rogers and their subsidiary Fido. Apple Retail Stores didn’t carry them.

Friday, with the introduction of the iPhone 3G S, that changes. Per Apple mailing:

Available at the Apple Retail Store June 19th. Stores open at 8:00am.

Which may be up to 2 hours earlier than your local Rogers/Fido store to boot. You can also book a personal shopping appointment to help you get in and out faster if you so choose. (Though we can’t imagine spaces will last long).

So, Canadians, who’s going to Rogers/Fido, and who’s going to Apple Retail?

Well, not strictly speaking, as some Apps are being discounted for more than just the day, and others have even gone up in price, but if you check out sites like AppShopper’s Price Tracker, you can see that some bargains are to be had!

Some deals are sure sweeter than what Apple Retail is offering off the iPhone (nothing!) and iPod Touch (a tiny bit!).

I might just pick up BeeJive for $9. If you find any sweet App deals, or any great deals on iPhone/iPod Touch outside Apple, please let us know in the comments!

Meanwhile, here’s what MacRumors has singled out:

• Ambrosia (Now $0.99): Mr. Sudoku, Mondo Solitaire, Aki Mahjong.
• Igloo Games (Now $0.99): Dizzy Bee
• Gameloft ($2 off): Diamond Twister, Brain Challenge, Backgammon Classics, Block Breaker Deluxe 2, Midnight Bowling,
• EA ($2 off): SCRABBLE, Spore Origins, TETRIS
• Pangea (Now $0.99): Cro-Mag Rally, Bugdom 2, Enigmo.
• Free for Limited Time: 2079, 300 Bowl HTG, TapToDo, Pathways.
• Others: Classics ($0.99), CameraBag ($0.99), BeehiveIM ($15.99->$9.99)

Since you can’t buy an iPhone 3G without signing up for an AT&T (or insert international carrier) contract, it kind of destroys the potential of giving an iPhone as a gift (cramming a whole kiosk into gift box would be killer!). So, what to do, what to do? TUAW says, Apple to the rescue!

Give someone an iPhone 3G Gift Card and when the lucky recipient comes in to redeem it, an Apple Retail Store Specialist will take care of every detail. The Specialist will get your recipient’s iPhone 3G up and calling, set up email, and help customize the Home screen, choose some great iPhone applications, personalize ringtones, and find favorite songs.

Does this make the iPhone 3G a more appealing gift possibility to anyone? Would opening an envelope and finding a shiny new iPhone 3G gift certificate, rather than an iPhone itself, be as glee worthy?

Apple has begun sending out notices about their annual “Black Friday” sale, so named because it’s theoretically a shopping day so monumental it tips the retail balances out of the red (losing money) and into the black (making profit). Years past have seen $100 off MacBooks, for example, though rumors this year suggest Apple might be more aggressive with their sale.

Cyber Monday, the trendy follow-up where people have mulled over everything they didn’t buy on Black Friday and make use of once-were-faster office internet connections to order stuff online, is typically ignored by Apple, so those wanting even a little savings should definitely not miss out Friday.

Will iPhone’s see any discount love? We don’t expect so, given their already hugely subsidized price, but we remain ever hopeful!

So far we’ve gotten notices in the US (where it follows the Thanksgiving holiday), and Canada (where it follows just another work day). Anyone else get a notice for their country? Please post in the comments!

Apple Insider is reporting that, rather than layoffs like Palm or unpaid vacation like Dell’s exploring, which would certainly paint a less-than-rosy glow about the company, Apple:

…plans to scale back the hours worked by its part-time Mac Specialists that greet customers and promote products. This would keep them on the store floors while trimming employment costs, those aware of the changes say. To compensate for the shortfall, Geniuses normally assigned to servicing products and answering questions will be asked to spend four of their weekly hours in the Mac Specialist role. Creatives manning the Studio sections of some stores will be asked to work as many as eight hours selling products.

Less person hours, however, is still less person hours. Here’s wishing all the ever-helpful staff at Apple Retail, the great folks at Palm, and everyone at Dell a speedy return to the work they love (and need!), and everyone a little global confidence, a modicum of collective good fortunte, and a lot of responsible leadership moving forward!