Ifo Apple Store

Apple has committed to have up to 175 stores open by the end of October 2006, and just announced their first store on Continental Europe (Rome). They have signed long-term, non-cancel able leases for retail space, and announced a substantial capital expenditure for retail store facilities and equipment during fiscal 2006. Financial statements show at least a $1.4 billion commitment to the stores through leases and capital expenditures. There are at least 30 additional store locations identified by tips and other sources, along with a handful of "pretty sure" international locations. The stores have been profitable for the last nine quarters, and are contributing about 16 percent of Apple's total revenues and profit. In fact, during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 the Retail segment delivered a record $1 billion in revenues for Apple. Gateway shut down their retail operation in early 2004, lifting a considerable competitive weight from Apple's shoulders, and Dell Computer's kiosk operation presents only token competition for business. By all measures, it's all Apple in the retail arena right now.