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Craig and Lee discuss the new flagship Apple Store that opened last week at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver, marking the first of its kind for Canada. Lee also discusses the media event prior and his opinion on what went on.

Apple has unveiled an impressive two-level space at the corner of Georgia and Howe Streets at CF Pacific Centre.

Apple held its annual fall event including an iPhone launch announcement.

The Leger study showcases the importance of experience to retailer success.

Given the low cost and convenience compared to competitors, Apple Fitness+ could take significant market share at an already challenging time.

The retailer has almost tripled its square footage at Canada’s busiest shopping centre. The store includes features such as a learning centre and is part of an expansion for Apple in Canada.

We’re predicting that this year will be one of highs and lows — Sears Canada will shutter, Nordstrom Rack will enter Canada, marijuana will be legalized, and plenty of other developments.

Apple continues to examine possible retail space for a flagship Toronto store, according to sources. We've been told that Apple has been in talks for the retail space indicated in the image above. The photo represents a possible Apple Store flagship at 100 Bloor Street West, which would replace a Roots store that currently occupies that corner. We've been told that Roots will vacate its 100 Bloor flagship in early 2014 and that the landlord is looking to replace it with a high-profile retailer. Apple would certainly fit that description. Roots plans to move to a much smaller retail space...

Toronto-based Indigo Books & Music Inc. will open international stores within the next two years, according to CEO Heather Reisman. Reisman made the announcement at Indigo's annual meeting on June 25th. Indigo will also open 40 in-store Apple technology shops in 2014, selling products such as iPads and Apple TV.  Indigo's business has struggled recently as printed books have lost popularity to digital books and online book sales. Mass discounters have also eroded Indigo sales. Indigo will re-brand to include less of a focus on books, focussing more on such merchandise as household/design products, paper, gifts, child and baby-related items, electronics and office supplies, among others.  Opening international locations...

Apple is closing 20 stores to expand their square footage. The stores have become too busy and too crowded for their own good.  Apple stores include the world's most productive retail space. Each store location averages about $50 million in sales/year. Apple stores attract 10 million people/week at its 400+ retail locations. Apple store attained sales of $6.4billion last quarter, while stores saw about 370million visitors in 2012 (These numbers are from this source). In a time where some question the viability of 'brick-and-mortar' retailing, Apple stores show that some retail stores are, indeed, still viable business models for some retailers. Apple CEO...

Apple has trademarked its store design. Apple stores are some of the world's most productive retail spaces featuring unique retail environments. So unique, in fact, that Apple Stores were granted an American trademark for their design.  The late Steve Jobs once stated "Unless we could find a way to get our message to customers at the store, we were screwed." It appears their store experience is now protected.  The US Patent & Trademark office granted the retailer's trademark on January 24th 2013 based on its "Distincitve Design and Layout". The trademark was granted in 'both colour and black-and-white'. Further details are provided...