Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai open Thursday

Apple previewed its unusual new retail location in Shanghai Monday. Apple Jing’an, located near Jing’an Temple and Jing’an Park, opens Thursday. Encircled by a plaza, Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai will be a community gathering place and “a one-of-a-kind shopping destination,” the iPhone giant said.

Apple Jing’an retail store opens in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, March 21

Looking at the photos Apple provided, the store does, indeed, look anything but typical.

“We’re thrilled to open Apple Jing’an — a store that seamlessly blends the traditional with the modern and perfectly complements this historic neighborhood in Shanghai,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“From our phenomenal iPhone lineup to the new 13- and 15- inch MacBook Air, Apple Jing’an brings all of our products and services together with an amazing team to create a truly magical shopping experience for our customers.”

‘Must-see destination in Shanghai’

In part thanks to its location near the temple, Apple called the new store “a must-see destination in Shanghai.”

Here’s part of the description:

Approaching the store through a grove of maple trees that line the upper plaza, visitors are treated to a stunning view of the temple. As customers descend down the stairs, they pass by terracing, double-curved walls that extend forward in a circle to form amphitheater seating that will host Today at Apple sessions specially created for Apple Jing’an to celebrate the community and its creators.

Upon entering the expansive store from the lower level, customers are invited to explore the surrounding avenues and display tables with the latest iPhone 15 lineup, the new 13- and 15- inch MacBook Air with the powerful M3 chip, and Apple’s first-ever carbon neutral products in its latest Apple Watch lineup.

Stunning central staircase

The store’s central staircase between floors is pretty dramatic, too. And of course the location features sustainable materials, per Cupertino’s commitment to the environment:

Once inside the store, visitors can travel between floors using the central feature staircase or through the stainless steel elevator. The Forum, featuring a large video wall in the center, serves as a space for learning and inspiration through free Today at Apple sessions. Meanwhile, the Boardroom offers a private setting where the store’s Business Team can offer advice and training to entrepreneurs, developers, and customers of businesses large and small.

Reflecting Apple’s long-standing commitment to the environment, the new store features a Padang Light stone wall that is sustainably and locally sourced within China.

Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai: Opening festivities

Apple plans some fun festivities and special sessions for the store:

Opening festivities include a special performance by the youngest members of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to share the future of classical music in-store for customers.

Apple Jing’an will also offer a special six-week Today at Apple program that pays homage to the local community and its creatives with the series Let Diverse Creativity Bloom in Jing’an, showcasing Shanghai’s next generation of creators and their multifaceted skills through the groundbreaking capabilities of iPhone.

Today at Apple sessions

After opening weekend, the Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai hosts free, ongoing Today at Apple sessions. They include the following.

• Photo Tour: Framing Architecture
• Get Started: Mac
• Workshop: Photography on iPhone
• Video Tour: Capturing Cinematic Shots
• Customers sit around a large screen during a Today at Apple session.
• Apple Jing’an will also offer a special six-week Today at Apple program that pays homage to the local community and its creatives.

150-person team extends Apple’s work in China

Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai’s 150 team members will help customers shop for devices, get support and learn about using their gear, Apple said. The store, located near public transit, also features an Apple Pickup station for orders placed online, Apple noted.

Apple said it has served customers in China for more than 30 years, supporting more than 5 million jobs through direct employment, its supply chain and “the iOS app economy.” The first Apple Store opened in China in 2008 with Apple Sanlitun. Now it runs 57 stores in greater China.

Apple’s eighth store in Shanghai, Apple Jing’an opens Thursday at 7 p.m. local time.

Source: Apple