The Apple Store experience

This guy is offering some free hand made(knitted) bags(look like the Apple iSocks) for iPod with Christmas pattern, looks warm and beautiful, however, the offer is only limited to 5 bags before Christmas. http://wooroo.blogspot.com/2005/12/free-handmade-ipod-bags-warm-love-for.html

The Speck case is hands-down the best case out there. I have one on my vidpod.

I get the same response at the Apple Stor Houston (Galleria). Last time I went there, they didn't know what they had in stock, and couldn't find info for my company's employee discount. They were somewhat rude too. I took to the website, and ordered up my PowerBook G4 + accessories and had a much more enjoyable experience over a cup of coffee!

In all fairness, I've had other very positive experiences at both Denver Apple Stores, and do recognize that holiday time is tough for any retailer. So thanks Apple Stores for the good experiences, but please do try to make excellence your consistent practice.

I'd like to know which Denver location, also. I've been close to several Apple Store employees at both Aspen Grove and Cherry Creek since before those stores opened. I admit both stores slip up sometimes when it comes to service, and Christmas probably exacerbates any issues. From the beginning, the Aspen Grove store has beaten the hell out of the Cherry Creek store for customer service. Cherry Creek Mall gets a ton more traffic than Aspen Grove, and so the Apple Store there is going to sell products and make money even if they don't try. I've found the people at Aspen Grove are normally friendly, polite, helpful and knowledgeable. They try harder there because they're not getting as many chances as the big store at CC.

Maybe it was the thin air, maybe they are doing the best they can in Denver, maybe it doesn't change the quality of your product, maybe service is important--does this mean you won't by the next thing apple puts out?

As a former Denver area retail employee - I can only say that I am not surprised. When the Denver area stores first opened, we were generally manned by mac enthusiasts who all had a fair bit of knowledge - many of us had worked as tech support, help desk, ACC members etc....we also took the time to stay up to date on product releases, updates, etc. Now,I honestly doubt the acumen of many of the new additions, nor do I have much confidence in the immediate management when it comrs to training. My fear is that they believe selling computers et al is like selling pants at the Gap. My 2 cents - but I still do love the gear they sell.?

I can't remember the last time when someone who took my money in any store had enough brains to count my change to me. I'm guessing that the cashier was a part-time employee. I've made purchases in Apple stores from Seattle to Corde Medera to Las Vegas and have always found someone that is more than capable of answering any Apple questions I've had. I too, have a new 60GB iPod (former 3G amd 4G owner) and haven't found a decent case although I just received my Jan issue of MacAddict and it has an ad on page 47 for a Contour Design Case that looks very nice although their web site lacks any info on it.

JTK, I live in the area and hoped you would elaborate on your experience?

I'm also not impressed with the Denver stores, either of them. I will always prefer the local reseller in Colorado Springs over them any day. They simply do a better job on repairs and sales, when they actually have products in stock. Seems Apple is really screwing over the resellers these days.