Apple Stores are now just Apple stores

Take special notice of the capitalization. Apple Stores will no longer be called Apple Stores. Instead, these “community hubs” will simply go by Apple *insert store’s location*. For example, the newly opened Apple store in World Trade Center is now just Apple World Trade Center. The tech company is looking to reframe the idea of its stores just being a place to purchase Apple products and accessories. There will be things like 6K video screens, greenery, and even the dismantling of Genius Bar setups in some stores to put in more seats. This change is spearheaded by Apple’s Senior VP for retail Angela Ahrendts. She was quoted saying at the unveiling of Apple Union Square, “The store becomes one with the community.”

Some of the other changes you can expect in Apple’s stores will include a more boutique feel to them with seasonal displays that will showcase various products. This time, they’re showing off iPhone photography accessory. It goes to show Apple is looking to sell you a lifestyle instead of just products.

Source: The Verge

Tech The Halls Fun With Grand & Toy

By Sonya Davidson

We had nearly forgotten about Canadian retailer Grand & Toy until this past week when they had popped up in our inboxes. Yes, they definitely still do exist and online is where you'll find them. This past week Grand & Toy has been buzzing to remind us, not only businesses, but consumers that they have lots to offer. From small appliances, laptops, cameras, entertainment items, and even stocking stuffers, they can help check off many items on your holiday shopping list. 

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Apple's new Apple TV making its way to Retail Stores today

The new, more powerful and Siri and touch-enabled Apple TV is now available in a number of Apple Retail Stores in Canada. The much anticipated set-top box may not offer Canadian users as wide a range of content as its US counterpart but still brings the promise of smoother and more intelligent search, apps and games.

The Apple TV has evolved with Apple's focus from iTunes content in the first generations to apps and services which includes Apple Music and iCloud. Using Siri to find shows and even get contextual information, rewind, go forward or look for works by specific actor or director are just some of the cool features the new Apple TV can deliver. We'll be testing one in the next couple of days and should document our impressions right here.

PayPal Caters To Every Type of Shopper On-The-Go

By Sonya Davidson

As things heat up in the mobile payment sector, PayPal has just introduced a more simplified way of catching that elusive busy shopper who's constantly on-the-go with One Touch - a new checkout experience for mobile devices, laptops and home computers.

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