iStore?
18th
May '08
Just been doing a spot of research on a new Apple shop opening in my area. Which at first sounds crazy because they only open them at big city’s and Basingstoke is not the next logical step behind London, Glasgow or Manchester. Just looking up on it (it’s also going to a place to spend some vouchers I’ve recently received) and Apple call their shops ‘The Apple Shop’ meanwhile the new one in Basingstoke is called an iStore.
After Yahooing (better than googling) it, the first result was for the iStore in Basingstoke. That was actually the only related result. hmmm…. I have a feeling that this is an unofficial Apple shop that is clever by using the same typeface and colour scheme. I knew it was too good to be true, either that or I’m just being dumb.
Still its a place to buy my MacBook from 
.
4 Comments to iStore?
Em Said...
After indulging in my own Yahooing, i have come to the conclusion that you are right, the istore is cleverly using a very similar style to Apple and that it is a real thing. More like an unofficial supplier of quality apple products…
Em OUT!
On May 18, 2008 at 11:41 pm
insider Said...
I’ve found a link to your blog doing some relevant keyword search and would like to shed some light on this.
iStore belongs to APR company (Apple Premium Reseller) called Albion Computers, which is affiliated to Apple under APR scheme. It was introduced to cover local areas without need for Apple to open an official Apple Stores. There are only 15 official Apple Shops in UK and more than 50 APR’s.
Using the same colour scheme and fonts is the part of Apple requirement for APR’s to follow. Nothing like this could happen without Apple’s permission. So, it’s not a clever way to feign Apple identity, it’s just a procedure for all APR to follow.
On May 23, 2008 at 1:44 am
[000000] Said...
At last a place to buy my Mac gear without having to go to the City!
On May 27, 2008 at 7:57 pm
chelsea Said...
WOW! Basingstoke got an APR, I can’t believe it but it’s great so there is no need for me to go to a crowded London. The iStore is like a baby Apple store. But the thing is they don’t have the same offer as Apple store does, like a printer rebate.
Job well done. Ill see you sometime, hope you can give me a good offer.
On May 28, 2008 at 8:47 pm