Apple Store Design: When you walk into an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) store you don’t have to think twice about where you are. The unique design and layout sets the company’s store apart from the competition.
According to a report by AppleInsider, “The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week granted Apple a trademark for the unique design of the company’s brick-and-mortar retail outlets, a process nearly two years in the making.”
As you can see, this is something that the company has been thinking about for quite some time. They obviously realize the importance of ensuring that competitors are unable to copy the design, regardless of their intentions.
Although the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) store trademark was first applied for in May of 2010, it was not until this year that it was awarded.
The same AppleInsider article adds the following:
“First applied for in May of 2010, Apple’s newly minted trademark was awarded on Jan. 22 and covers the Apple Store’s distinctive all-glass storefront and facade, recessed lighting, Genius Bar and rectangular tables, among other design cues.”
The trademark is based primarily on the overall layout and design of the company’s many stores. With a consistent experience that customers have fallen in love with, Apple wanted to make sure it was protected at all costs.
While Microsoft does not have nearly as many brick and mortar stores, those that do exist often times resemble Apple’s.
The trademark itself adds the following detail:
“There are cantilevered shelves below recessed display spaces along the side walls, and rectangular tables arranged in a line in the middle of the store parallel to the walls and extending from the storefront to the back of the store.”
In addition to online sales, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a strong retail presence. How strong? Here is some additional information from the article:
“As noted in Apple’s quarterly earnings conference call for the first fiscal quarter of 2013, the company’s retail segment generated an average revenue of $16.5 million with an average 396 stores open. In total, Apple Stores saw a record 121 million visitors over the three month period ending in December, compared to 110 million a year ago.”
As you can see, the Apple Store concept is a big deal. Now that the layout and design are trademarked, Apple has some protection against the competition.
Check back here for more updates on Apple Store Design.
DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
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