Apple Overhauls Retail Stores With New Genius Bars and Pickup Bays

Apple is accelerating a redesign of its retail stores that will bring back dedicated Genius Bars, create new compact sections for online order pickups and Today at Apple sessions, and remove large video walls from many locations. The changes, reported by Bloomberg, represent a shift in retail strategy under new CEO John Ternus, moving away from the community-focused "Genius Grove" concept introduced in 2016 and the large gathering spaces emphasized under former retail chief Angela Ahrendts. The overhaul focuses on three key areas. First, Apple plans to revamp the "Avenue" sections along store sides by adding two new compact "bays" measuring about 10 feet across. One bay will be dedicated to online order pickups, featuring an all-wood design with secure drawers for customer orders and a counter for employee handoffs. The second bay will host Today at Apple sessions, equipped with a large display, storage for devices, and a fixed instructor table with stools. Second, Apple will remove the giant video walls found at the back of many stores. These screens, used for marketing videos and Today at Apple sessions, will be replaced in most locations with new Genius Bars.