Austinist.com, a trusted independent Austin news source covered a tip they’ve received regarding a possible Apple store opening in downtown Austin.
The brief reads, “A confidential source has tipped Auistinist off on a new Apple store possibly opening in the Scarborough building on Congress and 6th. Could it be true? Let’s look at the facts: An Apple logo sign was seen being loaded into the building. The windows are covered with black plywood, assuring complete privacy. Apple often leans towards interesting / historical spaces. Check! The iPad 2 comes out the same day SXSW starts, coincidence? It might be a pop-up store, seeing as the space is less square footage than is usually required. If it does turn out to be true, you heard it here first!”
Why should you care?
If you’re a commercial agent, you should care that Apple is moving in stealth. Apple is a trend setter in the tech world and elsewhere with several companies mimicking Apple’s retail patterns. Some directly copy their every move from their location’s required median income to their tenant improvement budgets.
If you’re a residential agent, you should care that average consumers understand this brief, can speculate in an educated manner, and are actually watching what is happening in various aspects of real estate. They’re not as clueless as many agents think.
As any type of real estate professional, it is interesting to watch what companies are doing, particularly when in stealth mode as Apple appears to be. If retail is closing all around you, the pinch will soon be felt, but if big boxes are popping up all over the place, the pendulum is swinging up.
It might shock you, but consumers are actually excited about many real estate topics, not just Apple related, and not just retail.
David Pylyp
March 10, 2011 at 8:22 am
Is it stealth? or Sound business practice.
Blacked out store front instantly displaying signage would carry visual surprise. Fabulous Impact.. I Think that is professional marketing and crafty presentation.
I wish that I had the same impact ability with my business.
They have indeed created the ultimate following.
David Pylyp
Accredited Senior Agent Toronto Canada
Jason
March 10, 2011 at 11:58 am
Great insight. Though I am not directly impacted by the new store, living in Michigan—I do think that the “moral of the story” is applicable beyond Austin and Apple. A company’s ability to set trends in the industry has a direct impact on our audience–potential home buyers. What they purchase, buy into, and consume has direct influence on decisions we make.
Thanks for the post
Jason