First look at Memphis’ new Apple Store shows stunning, open design

Earlier this week, news broke that the Memphis Apple Store is moving to a new space around the corner from its current location, and will be one of the company’s first stores to sport a new design. Here’s what the store will look like:

Image credit: The Commercial Appeal

In a video hosted on the City of Germantown website, (skip to 1:30:00) plans for the store are shared. The new storefront will use ground-roof glass panels, surrounded by matte granite, with no visible supports or joints.

Fifteen stainless steel bollards will keep vehicles at bay, which considering the store’s history, may be a good idea. Several years ago, the store was robbed after thieves smashed the front glass with a car to enter the building. There’s no type treatment or logo located on the storefront.

Inside, the store appears clean and bright, with long oak tables to hold products. Interestingly, there’s no Genius Bar in sight. The three lit panels around the store can be used to show off products and artwork. Live plants can also occupy these areas, as the display panels can come apart in five feet increments.

As Tom Bailey at The Commercial Appeal points out, this process has taken place with Apple’s normal shroud of secrecy:

But never during the Aug. 25 meeting did anyone utter the word “Apple,” and on Wednesday a Germantown official responded to a reporter’s request for the Apple Store documents with this qualifier:

“As you can see from the application and materials provided in the link there is no association with Apple… The application was filed by National Permit Expediters. There is no application from Apple,” said Cameron Ross, director of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The project’s timeline isn’t known, but according to The Commercial Appeal, the cost will be $1.5 million. The Memphis store will be one of the first to showcase this new design.