Mississauga welcomes Canada's first Apple Pickup station

Photo by Kyle via MacRumors

Apple has unveiled its brand new retail space at Square One, Canada's second-largest mall. Located conveniently above the Food Central food court (second floor, across from Sephora), the store boasts a significantly larger footprint compared to its predecessor, eliminating past overcrowding issues.

This new location also marks a Canadian first: a dedicated Apple Pickup station. Customers can now seamlessly collect online orders placed through Apple's website or app.

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Apple Store is down for some regions, including Canada

If you want to do middle-of-the-night shopping at the Apple Store, it looks like it's down right now. It's offline here, in the US, and some countries like Australia and the UK. It comes with a notice that says, "We'll be right back." And it promises that "updates are coming to the Apple Store." But it still seems to be live in countries like China, New Zealand, and Japan, so it's unclear what this maintenance is for.

Apple typically takes down the Apple Store when it plans to release a new product, but that's typically a worldwide "shutdown." It's most likely just maintenance. But if you're wondering why you can't shop right now, well, the site isn't down just for you. And maybe by the time you see this, the site might already be up.

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Apple to ship orders from stores for some Canadian, American customers

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Apple will be making it easier and quicker for some customers in Canada and the US by shopping directly from its retail outlets. The company usually ships from distribution centres or straight from China. But now, those who live near Apple Stores could get their purchases from the nearby retailer. You won't get to choose where your order will come from, though. Apple's operations team will make the decision, and they will only ship to locations within 100 miles from an Apple Store.

In Canada, Apple will ship through United Parcel Service Inc., and you can receive your order as early as the next day. Apple began testing this new program when it started re-opening stores following the COVID-19 shutdown. It's not available at all its locations yet. This program can help keep stores operational even if they aren't open because of the pandemic. Apple reportedly told staff they could reduce costs and potentially increase profit margins with this practice.

Source: Engadget

Apple tests out 'Express' store to reduce COVID-19 risks

Apple Express walls off the mostly open Apple Store to help keep staff and customers safe during COVID-19 (Source: Marci Harris/Twitter)

What does an Apple Store look like in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic? It'll be more closed off than you're used to. The Apple Express store, which the company is testing out in Burlingame, California, is walled off with a small window for staffers to serve one customer at a time. Those who pre-ordered products online can get their purchase after queueing for it. Genius bar appointments are handled at another window.

It might not have the same level of polish Apple customers might be used to. But with the pandemic still happening, this limited amount of service the company can offer is better than nothing.

Source: Engadget