Apple opens its first “next generation” store in Europe today at Battersea Power Station, home of its new UK headquarters.
The design of the eighth Apple store in London - and the 40th in the UK - will incorporate higher standards of accessibility and sustainability first pioneered at the Tysons Corner branch near Washington DC, which opened last month.
Design features include wider aisles to allow wheelchairs to pass through the store easily, assistive loops built into fixtures to help customers with hearing impairment, and use of sustainable European oak and plant based terrazzo flooring in the fit out as well as retention of original brick pillars.
Around 70 jobs will be created at the store, which officially opens at 4pm today. Tracey Hannelly, Apple’s senior director, worldwide retail engagement and marketing, said: “Battersea Power Station is an iconic London landmark where Apple now has a home. So to have a store here feels really special and the team are very proud to serve the community.”
Around 2,500 Apple staff are now based at the former electricity generator, where the US tech giant is the anchor office occupier.
The store will open daily from 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 to 6pm on Sunday. The new store will have a Genius Bar for technical support, a “click and collect” Apple Pickup station, and a Watch Studio
Apple has also teamed up with Battersea Arts Centre to support eight local artists to mark the opening.
Tarek Iskander, artistic director and CEO, Battersea Arts Centre said: “It’s been great collaborating with Apple on this project. Every great partnership is built on shared values and a joint search for solutions to complex questions.
“For this project we asked ‘how can young creatives benefit the most from this unique collaboration?’ The process and the creative outputs have been inspiring, and it’s a great example of how corporations and cultural organisations can join forces to improve the lives of individuals and their neighbourhoods.”
Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, said: “It is fantastic that Apple has chosen Battersea to be home to its UK HQ and is now opening an Apple Battersea store. Apple’s investment in Battersea is a huge sign of confidence in our thriving local economy. It shows that Battersea is open to business and is becoming one of the leading areas in London for jobs, growth and opportunities.”
