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Apple Store
Categories: Shopping Electronics Shopping Computers Electronics, Computers [Edit]
Pacific Centre701 W Georgia St
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(778) 373-1800
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Wed-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Apple Store
Review Highlights
45 reviews in English
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Review from Allan-ester D.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
bought my first MacBook Pro 2 days ago...brilliant...the sales guy rocked and walked me through every question i had
i have purchased in this Vancouver store a number of times...always great service...aaple really does know what they are doing
i had to call tech support this morning, actually set up a time they would call, made a little tweak to my macbook, brilliant again...their tech support was supper easy and productive
i was worried about leaving the world of PC but here i am stepping out into the Mac world...story continues to be written but i'm told it is a great step forward -
Review from Deanna S.
4/18/2012
I love Apple, hate the stores. Having worked for them in the retail store in West Edmonton Mall... And I try to avoid Apple stores at all times. I rarely ever go there, and I would always resort to ordering my Apple products online over going in person.
How many times did people come up to me when I worked there and say things like, "My phone was just in my pocket and I don't know how it happened but it completely shattered?!" Yeah, okay. You dropped it, you don't have to lie, we'll fix it for you no matter what. But I'd never understand how it happened because I've dropped my own phone 999,999,999 times and it's hardly scratched. And then I'd see people throw a spaz and act like a complete a-hole over having to pay $30 to replace the back plate on their iPhone 4. You'd try to calm them down yourself and explain to them as nicely as possible that everyone has to pay for this repair... only to have a manager throw you under the bus and try to "surprise and delight" the customer, turning their experience around and doing it for free. Then, the customer is happy and they leave the store with a smug grim and casting death stares at the poor Specialist who tried to imply a fair experience to everyone.
Well, it finally happened. I dropped my phone for the 1,000,000,000th time, and the back plate shattered. EFF.
After shedding a few tears and I-never-thought-it-could-happen-to-me's, I booked my Genius Bar appointment at the Pacific Center location and went into the store knowing that I am way too nice of a person to have anything awesome happen for me. I have never EVER been surprised OR delighted at a a Genius Bar appointment EVER in my life even when I worked there and the people fixing my devices were my FRIENDS. This is because they have rules... and unless you are a jerk to them and rebel... they aren't going to go above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience (because they don't have to). So I knew what was going to happen. I was going to go in, probably have to wait for 10 years for someone to help me regardless of my appointment, tell them the honest truth of what happened, get it fixed, and get out of there.
I arrived 10 minutes before my appointment, and was seen right on time. The girl who helped me out went through all of Apple's steps of service so perfectly that I couldn't help but laugh internally at how funny it was to see right through it all. She positioned the price of the repair to me (and I could see her cringing slightly, and bracing herself for a potential wrath on my end over having to pay) but I knew the drill so I was more concerned with just getting it done. The whole thing took 10 minutes and I was out of there with a fixed phone and a sad bank account.
An Apple store is... an Apple store. No matter where they are, they are all the same (aside from a few really spectacular architectural feats around the globe). All of the employees are cookie cutter Specialists, brainwashed to perfection. You should get the same treatment no matter where you go. -
Review from P G.
Vancouver, BC
4/6/2012
I went in looking for a Marc Jacobs sleeve for my 17" MacBook. I should have got it when I first saw it because I can't find them anywhere now! Right when I walked in a man asked if I was looking for something...I told him, he showed me what they had, but they didn't have it in the size I was looking for. Then he asked two other people just to double check...still, nil! The staff are helpful, even when they're busy, and they're always busy!
I do wish the Apple store in Vancouver was as stately as a building like that in Chicago or Tokyo...but then again Vancouver isn't Chicago or Tokyo... -
Review from Robin M.
3/31/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My phone stopped working. Stopped. Working. Just like that. Stopped. No sound from the speaker, no way to read past the almost completely black screen, at barely eight months old this pretty little guy was still shiny and new -- it had NO reason to be acting up. So, like the Apple customer (follower) that I am, I booked an appointment with the Genius Bar.
First encounter (with blue-shirted iPad guy): blue shirt takes a look at my phone and says, "Oooh, had a little spill in some water, I see?" Well, no, actually. No, it just stopped working. "Riiight, well, we'll take a look at it." Blue shirt goes to the back with my phone, only to come out 10 minutes later with "good" news: there was no water damage. Well, yes. I know. That's what I said. "But you see that chip?" Oh, that tiny ding in the corner, yes I see it. "Looks like you've dropped your phone, which we can't cover under your warranty." What?! That tiny chip happened five months ago, and was not the result of a drop. I continue to contest, and blue shirt offers me a discounted iPhone to replace my non-working one. I say that I think that's ridiculous. "You know a regular iPhone is over $700, so you're getting a really good deal here." Well, in that case...
I leave the store with my broken iPhone, and mull over my options.
Second encounter, one hour later (with blue-shirted iPhone guy): I explain my situation, calmly, and say that I don't think it's fair to make me pay twice for a phone that barely has a scratch (save for the little ding in the corner) on it. He goes to the back to do some more "diagnostics" on it. Fifteen minutes later, blue shirt #2 comes out with management blue shirt. "You know, this is really a grey area. Clearly your phone doesn't work, and we can't see any water damage, but we're fairly certain that there has been some damage to the device." To which I think, bullshit, but nod intently at his every word. "We don't normally do this, but because it is a grey area, we can provide you with a new phone."
Persistence, and knowing when I'm right pays off: two and a half hours later, I walk out with a new iPhone. -
Review from Dee B.
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
How do you review the Apple Store? Do you give it 2 stars because it's terribly crowded and you often have to wait a long time for customer service or do you give it 5 stars because the people that work there are awesome and helpful and their products entertain me for hours on end?
Let's settle somewhere in the middle with 4 stars.
I am an Apple junkie. Iphone, Ipad, MacBook at home, Mac at work.... I was so happy when this location conveniently opened in Pacific Centre.
Like all Apple Stores, it's always crowded - unless you get there right at opening (if they aren't launching a new product). Often you have to wait quite a bit for service, but once you do get service, the lovely people of Apple are more than enthusiastic to help you out.
I haven't had to frequent the Genius Bar often since all my Mac products have been sturdy. The one time I did seek the help from an Apple Genius, my problem was resolved immediately. Tres Cool. -
Review from Amy T.
1/26/2012
Oh Apple. You may be a billion dollar corporation, your products sell themselves and have a huge cult following, but Apple has terrible customer service.
A friend and I walked into the store around noon. Yes, it was busy, but I saw about 3 staff just standing around. We were looking for a screen protector and a staff member approached us. He guided us to the section where they were selling it and we asked if they can help us put it on. He said no and pretty much waved us away. OK, whatever.
We go up to the "genius bar" and wait for a few minutes and then we were told to move over to the side, -it could have been said in a nicer tone. Everyone was getting assistance except us. That's fine, maybe they were there before us and the staff were helping them first. But it would have been nice if the person who helped us either walked us up to the counter or asked another person to ring it in for us. We continue to line up and when it was finally our turn, we go up to the counter. The guy was just texting or messaging on his iPhone and finally looked up after he was finished. I found this rude because your email or messages can wait, even if they are work related. The customer is in front of you and at least acknowledge them first if you need to get back to the urgent email.
Basically, Apple doesn't care enough to provide training to their staff and show them what customer service is. They make tons of money, people still buy their products and they don't really give a shit. -
Review from Buzz B.
Vancouver, BC
4/5/2012 9 Check-ins Here
I don't use an Iphone but I love this place because if you're ever running low on data or not have a data plan, just stand outside the Apple Store for free unprotected WiFi!
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Review from Evilyn T.
12/6/2011
An apple a day keeps the paycheck away.
After an unfortunate event on a Friday night in which I was assaulted by a drunk loser on my way home, who decided to rip my phone out of my hand - while I was talking on it- and smash it into a million pieces, I ended up with a file number with the VPD and a broken phone on its way to Apple heaven.
I showed up at the Apple store first thing in the morning, not knowing what to expect now that it's December....and there was a man at the front taking down names and numbers for appointments with the Genus(es). (Like Genuises right?) My appointment was supposed to be for 10:20 but when I came back (after an hour) they had no record of my appointment, so I had to come back 20 minutes later....(which is why I didn't rate my experience five stars) I was still pretty shakey from the night before, and actually dropped my phone when I went to pull it out of my pocket to show them the damage.
The guy who helped me was very calming and could sense I was pretty fragile at the moment, and handled the situation with sensitivity and care. I was eventually seated at a table with other people who needed various degrees of tech support. I was helped shortly thereafter. Basically because my phone was so damaged I basically had to get a new one, which cost me about $200 after tax, and they packaged up my old phone and I said my goodbyes. They made sure to check with me to see that I knew how to restore the new phone to the old settings so I wouldn't lose any pictures or apps and updated the new phone to the new operating system.
Thank you Apple for having knowledgable skilled staff who are patient and can help people when they feel disconnected (literally) but damn you for making products that we can no longer imagine our lives without. I feel naked without my iphone! -
Review from Kari C.
Updated - 11/8/2011
I scheduled a genius appointment and came in today, because a CD became stuck in my Macbook's drive.
They took about 3 minutes and had it out, with no service charge, even though my Applecare warranty ended in May. Plus: They even gave me a little sleeve to take the CD home in.
Bingo, bango!Listed in: Surefires
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2011
85% of my life and livelihood are contained within my laptop, so when a storm's-a-brewin', I call… Read more »
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Review from Sarah O.
9/18/2011
Apple, you're ballin' out of control. You replaced my shattered iPod touch with a brand new one without any hesitation. While I was there, I saw 2 other people get brand new replacements for their broken device. The workers are super friendly and the 'genius' staff really seem to know what they're doing. I actually found the staff at this location to be more helpful than the ones at Oakridge.. but oakridge has free parking. I really don't like to pay to park at a shopping mall.. but I guess it's downtown.
There are always so many people in here and it's actually quite interesting to people watch. Thank you Apple, for my new iPod and not making me feel like an old fart for not knowing how to connect to the internet. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Put an Apple on my Heart and hope to buy, Buy an iPad for when I fly.
How you hold me captive with shiny screens, promptly arrive with help with just the push of an iPad button, dazzle me with your insightful stream of insight.
Helpful, never-ever pushy, you lead me to whatever I was looking for - big or small - and sometimes, you even tell me I could get a better selection or price somewhere else. You make it comfortable to say things like "I'm just making my decision today, I'll be back next month when I'm actually ready to buy it." Your staff doesn't hand me a business card, begging, pleading for me to return to them specifically... No, not you Apple, you smile, tell me you totally understand, you're saving your pennies too, and then we return to having a jolly conversation.
Then like an extended love note, you ask for my business card, just so you can let your business centre know that I might come back for something work related -- and they call me the next day -- just to follow up with me that they're there for anything I might need in the future.
Just when I thought I was just loving you, you throw me over-the-moon, sending me a receipt via email. Swoon.Listed in: 5 Star Reviews - You deserve…
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Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2011
Apple, I am forever yours!
I had an issued with my iphone so I thought I'll call Rogers and see what they can do for me to fix my phone. Rogers sent me to The Apple Store instead.
Ok, people are still lining up for the iPhone 4s, so don't mistaken that line up for the actual store or technical support. So if you're an Apple Store newbie, you need to set up an appointment with a "Genuis" for customer service. The wait could take about 15-20 mins; for me it was only 5. The "Genius" greeted me, and introduced himself to me. He was very attentive listening to my issues with my phone. He ran a few test on my phone and the results were inconclusive. He offered me a temporary solution, and said if the problem persist, they would give me a new phone.
Though my problem was not resolved yet, but I am very happy how well they are handling it.
I like the fact that they are like a direct factory warranty and no more return for repairs, like most other companies. -
Review from Chester S.
Vancouver, BC
2/29/2012
The repair department is very shoddy. I am convinced the store wants people to falsely believe one of the hardware in their phone, computer, etc. is broken --- when it is not. I caught some employees trying to pull this off (I happen to be a hardware expert), but I'd blame the managers for this shady practice.
Other than that, an OK store. -
Review from Henry B.
Vancouver, BC
6/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
"I'm CEO, Bitch" was the phrase on Mark Zuckerberg's business card. He did it to be more aggressive and to emulate the style of one man named Steve Jobs. Mr.Jobs is the rockstar of corporate America and the envy of all CEO's.
I have never owned any Apple products before the iPhone as I was a "PC". Then one day this man dressed in blue jeans, black turtleneck, and New Balance shoes introduced the iPhone. I bought the hype and I was lucky enough to be living in Seattle at the time when the original iPhone came out. Speechless, I couldn't believe how aesthetically pleasing and how easy it was to operate. No manual need, it was just intuitive to use. Elegant design and simple to use is the hallmark of all Apple products.
I wish they had chosen a bigger location for this flagship store in Vancouver. Even the Richmond and Oakridge stores looks better. The only experience I had with the customer service at this store was with my iPhone 4. There was a problem with the mic/speaker , people could hear me but I couldn't hear anything. Should I blame the mighty Apple or the sweat shop workers at Foxxconn manufacturing the product? I brought the phone into the store and someone ordered me a new iPhone at no charge. Kudos to Genius bar.
Steve Jobs, I hope Apple continues to innovate... -
Review from Jee M.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2012
I ain't going to hate on apple but man to do a one on one with one of there supposedly geniuses is nearly impossible but hey everyone is chill there and good service
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Review from Alicyn C.
7/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What can I say.. there is a bit of a geeky side to me and I love me some apple products. One can never have too much apple in their life. Every time I walk in the store I want to get the iphone 4 in white. But I just can't justify it when I have it in black. If only I was able to wait but so couldn't at the time. Sigh
On this trip I got a new case for my phone. Now I am so not a fan of cases as they make the phone far to bulky for my liking but today was different.. I finally actually found a case that I liked. Yipee! I got a purple incase case and it is much better than others I have tried. Perhaps now I will stop scuffing up the sides of my phone every time I drop it and yes my phone does have character. She has been dropped and thrown many times when out and about having a good time.
Ok.. back to the store. It was busy as usual and the staff was friendly and quick to deal with. All and all another great experience at an apple store. Yay! -
Review from Doug G.
7/2/2011 22 Check-ins Here
My name is Doug, and I'm a PC
And yes, I spend a lot of time at the Apple Store. There are really two reasons for that.
1. I hate malls and I hate shopping. When in a mall I gravitate to Coffee Shops, Book Stores, or Electronics Stores. The Apple Store fits the bill.
2. I hate my iPhone (but secretly love it too - I'm quirky). It has a battery life of just over an hour if I use it for anything. So I'm constantly on the search for chargers, headphones and accessories.
The Apple Store is constantly packed beyond capacity and you have to battle your way past people playing games and charging their phones in the narrow aisles. When you can track down one of their staff to pay for your item they have an exceedingly cool system of paying directly from their hand-held device and identifying you from your iTunes account. I like the e-receipt that is emailed rather than printed.
Cramped, small, and expensive. But it is what it is. You know what you are getting when you go there. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
3/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Here's why you should go to the Apple Store:
1. your computer is broken and you booked on line for a spot at the Genus bar.
2. your computer is broken and you booked on line for some service with an Apple certified tech.
3. you are interested in being blinded by lights, deafened by sounds and jostled by every man, woman and child who "just really wants to touch the new ipad"
4. you're drunk.
Here's why you shouldn't go to the Apple Store:
1. you'd like to get some new design software, haven't done any real research and you'd just like to see what's out there.
2. you need new headphones.
3. you're interested in getting an apple and would like some assistance.
4. you're just browsing.
I adore Apple products. I have been a Mac user my whole life, and I won't ever use anything else, however, I have learned that unless you have done all the pre-reading and calling you need before going into the Apple store there is no use.
I'm sure the staff are amazing, I'm sure they've been trained to deal with the hoards of people who rush in like moths to a flame, but I have yet to actually speak with one. It is always so ridiculously busy and noisy and uncomfortable in there I avoid it until I need service help.
I strongly suggest going Apple, but for all the little trinkets and gadgets and doo-dads that aren't Apple produced I can't quite brace the insanity to get them there. -
Review from Sean N.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
it's a pretty crowded store usually but they really came through for me in getting a iPhone 4s quickly on launch day. The service is quick and the employees are knowledgeable.
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
11/17/2010
While I was mid preparation for a job interview yesterday afternoon my poor little mac inexplicably powered down. Turns out it was pretty explicable actually- the power cord was in two pieces. As an arts grad I was pretty proud of my diagnostic prowess in this matter and promptly dug out the original power cord box, both pieces of the power cord and headed off to Future Shop.
My excursion to FS was about as helpful as ever (it's like a construction zone that place... one cashier was even eating an icecream cone at the till) but I was at least pointed in the direction of the Apple Store in Pacific Center.
Despite the fact that the place was buzzing with activity I was dealt with in a reasonably prompt manner and given a brand new 85w magsafe power adapter ($80)! I didn't even have to wait in line, my blue shirted knight in shinning armor simply slapped a little 'thank you' sticker on my new adapter, took the old one off my hands and I was off.
Sounds like a 5 star experience you say? It would be if the adapter needing replacement were not a mere 4 months old. Also, it's a little frustrating that I could not receive this service at Future Shop where I had actually bought the adapter in the first place and instead had to negotiate bridge traffic at 6pm and then mall traffic on top o'that... herumph!
You are the definition of brand loyalty creation, Apple folk and I just hope that all of your bells and whistles are not to keep us from noticing/caring about the sort of crappy engineering I experienced yesterday. -
Review from Rick P.
Lethbridge, AB
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Service dept. is fast and efficient !!!
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Review from Rod B.
Surrey, BC
8/11/2010
I won a 16Gb iPad in a promotion but wanted to upgrade to 64Gb.
I phoned Apple customer service and they told me to take it down to the Apple store. So down I trot to the Apple store where they were completely unhelpful. Because I didn't have a purchase receipt, they looked up the serial number and determined that it had been purchased directly from Apple at their online store.
However, the Apple store will only deal with iPads that are purchased at the Apple store. So... becuse this was bought online, they were unable to help me.
Isn't Apple online and the Apple Store owned by the same company?
Don't you just love companies that are really interested in helping their customers? -
Review from Fido D.
12/29/2009
Okay, here's a secret I'm going to let you guys in.
Did you know you can use the iPhones in this Apple store to dial any international number! Yay! I first dialled home (living in Delta) and then I dialled my own U.S. number and received my voice answering machine. THIS ROCKS! I guess when the young and poor traveller goes to Vancouver, they can just hop by Apple Store and make a few phone calls to say hello to friends and family back wherever :)
Yay Apple store! By the way, this store for downtown Vancouver is unfortunately very small and kinda puts to shame for an Apple store being in big city Vancouver! -
Review from Sebastian P.
Vancouver, BC
3/14/2011
What to say about another Apple Store...? Well, most of them are pretty standard and do not really provide much out of the ordinary.
I purchased my MacBook at the Beverly Center Apple Store in Los Angeles/ Bev Hills and the staff there probably goes down as the most annoying bunch of associates ever. It was an emergency purchase so I had to live with it. However, I'm glad I can use our local Apple Store here in Vancouver to deal with the little quirks of the machine. :-)
During the past 12 Months I needed the assistance of the Genius Bar three times in total. The first time was because of a warranty issue (case cracked - production quality issue), then I needed a repair which they politely gave me a quote for but I decided to repair it at Future Shop with alternate parts as those were 70% cheaper. Last week I needed a network adaptor because my current one broke. I was prepared to pay at least 20$ for it but the nice guy just gave me a new one in exchange.
I figured is you are polite but firm you can roll pretty good with Apple. So the premium in price for a macbook is worth it IMHO. I am in no way one of the Apple Fetishists who love everything they carry. The only thing I will ever possess is going to be my MacBook and my iPod. That's it.
After all, I can definitely recommend using the Apple Store at Pacific Center! :)
Cheers,
-S -
Review from samuel a.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Love the apple store. It's almost convinced me to go back to Apple (other than my iPhone, of course).
The service has always been knowledgeable and informative.
I like being able to surf, charge my phone while I wait, and it's busy, but you don't seem cramped in here at all. There are always seats to sit down at if you want.
I walked in to get a new charger cord (my old one cracked and started fraying), and I was told I needed an appointment, which I hummed and hawed about - and I eventually did for 30 minutes later - they helped me in 15, and I got a new cord. Easy.
I am definitely a fan, and will definitely RETURN! -
Review from Darcy C.
8/2/2009
Claudia ... I think I had a taste of the post-Steve years at the apple store this weekend.
Maybe they'd just trained up a new batch of light blue shirts, but on my first visit, I had an experience with a light blue shirt who was pleasant but unhelpful ... didn't know what I thought was a pretty basic question and didn't take it upon himself to find out. I found another light blue shirt who offered the level of exceptional service they're known for, so that was all good, but then ...
Second day- needed to do a return ... and got shit about it .... WTF?
C'mon apple store ... what happened to the if-you're-not-happy-we're-not-happy Quest For Perfection that leads me to happily spend an additional $1,000 for a mac and to not even look at the Lenovo specials? That leads me to consider purchasing just about any shiny trinket you produce? That makes me think about buying that lovely, lovely giant iMac that I have no need for as I have a perfectly fine macbook, but it's just so god-damned pretty and huge?
Yes, it eventually all worked out in the end, but it makes me afraid for the future. -
Review from Joe L.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2010
I'm an all out Apple fan (since having an Apple II as my first computer) so I really want to give 5 stars to this store. Unfortunately, my reviews are mixed and more so on the poor side. I have 3 separate experience incidents with this store:
1. January 2009 (ONE star)
We were in Vancouver for a 2-week visit. My MacBook stopped working suddenly one day. My keyboard was not responding. I made an appointment with the Concierge and went to the store. The technician at the Genius Bar said my hard drive was fried so it either had to be zapped / rebuilt or replaced. I'm glad that I hesitated and declined. I subsequently did some research online on another computer and users with similar experience simply had their problems fixed by replacing the keyboards. Upon returning to the Bay Area, I took my computer to the Apple store in Santa Clara / San Jose (the motherland). Within a couple of minutes, the technician there confirmed that my keyboard malfunctioned and I could have it replaced with a new face plate for just over $100. Within 24 hours, I got my computer back working with a new keyboard and face plate.
2. May 2009 (FIVE stars)
After moving to Vancouver, we each got an iPhone. We dropped one of them on the ground inadvertently. The silence button was slightly warped and the screen became wonky. We took it to the store with the intention of having it fixed. Since the damage was not intentional, the technician at the Genius Bar replaced our phone with a brand new phone!
3. Today (TWO stars)
I need to file Canadian tax return again for the first time in 10 years so I was looking for a tax return software. QuickTax does not function on Mac OS (except for the online version). I went to the store to see if they carry other tax return preparation software. I checked the shelf and they didn't but I thought I'd ask anyway. After waiting and being disregarded by a customer service rep for 10 minutes, I found a representative available. I asked if they carried any "personal income tax return preparation software". It could not be any clearer.
She said yes, led me to the software shelves, and pointed MYOB and AccountEdge to me. The boxes say "accounting softwares" and I indicated so. She then said "Oh, I don't do my own taxes so I really don't know." Are you kidding me? I don't play video games but I know what Guitar Hero and DDR are.
She then checked with somebody else and came back to tell me that Quicken does offer a tax return software that functions on Mac but can only be purchased in the US. I was nice enough at that point to educate and explain to her that would be TurboTax and that does US returns - not Canadian returns. She looked perplexed.
I don't think it's too much to ask for customer service representatives to have common sense and to know how to speak with customers, is it? -
Review from Daniel L.
1/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have spent about 10hrs in this store over the past 40 days getting trained on my Mac and learning the curve. I got say they really strive to perfection and theres a good reason why they didnt get 5 out 5 but its to long to list...
Most everyone here is tuned in and very helpful, friendly and full of Mac/Apple knowledge... They undoubtedly created painless switch and causes me to jump into the product line even deeper with my new iphone.. i am so geek out now, my friends are shaking..
I strongly suggest anyone doing this (not the shaking part) but buying a Mac to get the one-2-one $100 extra, I can come back as many times as i like for a year until i understand it all. Its such a better world, not perfect but much better. -
Review from Alfonso H.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went into the store to use free wifi so I wouldn't get smacked with roaming fees. The store wasn't busy at least for an apple store. I was asked by and associate did I need help, I told him I was from Miami and just there to use the wifi. I was in the store about 40 minutes and he came and told me that I had to leave. He said there was a 20 minute period that you could be in the store without purchasing anything, it seemed like I was almost being targeted. I saw the security pass by me almost 10 times! Then he stood right next to me. Didn't argue just got up and left. Steve Jobs were be irate if he knew this was the customer his store was offering
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2008
They say "once you go Mac, you never go back"...and while I don't own a Mac as of yet, other then my dearly loved ipod..I am very interesting in purchasing one. I stopped into the new Apple store today and wow...what am experience...great store..super good service...I was asked by like 12 people if I needed help and even know the store was packed with shoppers I felt cared for...maybe they work on commission??
I will soon be making my very first ibook purchase and this will be where I go!! -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
4/28/2009
Does anyone else wonder what's going to happen when Steve Jobs "leaves us"?
I send my good wishes to anyone in ill health and please be ensured that my intentions are not to be unnecessarily crude ... but for serious, I think it might be like Princess Diana but for the geek world
...
no?
(I'm soooo waiting to get in trouble for saying that).
Suuuuure ... he might have thought vegetarians don't take showers and suuuure ... he might have taken all the credit for creating the iPod but he's the god of modern innovation, just like Princess Diana was the goddess of social good. Arguably, modern innovation is more important with the majority of the human population walking around with white Apple ear buds permanently glued to their ear holes right? Just because I want to slap people that cannot eat a meal in public without listening to Chris Brown beating a woman - whups, I meant singing some beats - doesn't mean that I don't have respect for Apple's insane popularity.
If only the world could look like it does in Apple stores and Steve Jobs was the father of every corporation, we would all live in perfect iHarmony. -
Review from Doug B.
North Vancouver, BC
1/25/2010
My experience thus far has been extremely disappointing. I bought a new MacBook Pro several weeks ago and have had nothing but problems. I have spent over 35 hours on the phone with Applecare senior technicians, last week alone, and several major issues remain unresolved. As I use my computer for work, this has been highly disruptive.
I am a new apple user and was quite looking forward to the switch. i started by setting up an appointment online for a 1:1 consult to assist me in the purchase of my new apple. The store seemed in chaos upon my arrival. It took more than 20 minutes to find someone to help me, and this was only because I happened to interrupt the floor manager who assigned me someone.
Shortly after purchasing my new MacBook Pro I dropped it and my old pc laptop off for a data transfer. Several days later I got both back. My MacBook Pro worked well for 1 week.
By week 2 neither my email or printer were working. After 30 hours over 5 days on the phone with Applecare my email was finally fixed. This was after having to wipe the hard drive and reload everything. The Applecare technician told me that I was on my own as far as my one year old printer was concerned, even though it worked perfectly well with my Mac for the first week.
After having fixed my email, I soon discovered that my Mac would not sync with my iphone, which held all of my personal and business contacts, calendar and music. After 4 hours on the phone yesterday with another senior Applecare technician the problem remained unresolved. What did happen though was that we lost over 300 songs. Then today, the technician called me back to say that he wanted to run some further diagnostics the results of which would be sent to Apples software engineers.
Enough is enough. I declined on wasting more time with Applecare and chose to phone the Apple Store with a request for the manager to call me. None of my friends who have Apples have experienced any of the multitude of problems that I have with their machines. My goal is to have mine replaced so that I can get back the performance that Apple so rigorously advertises.
Update: I went to the store after having spoken with a store manager. Upon arrival I was hooked up with a tech guy who proceeded to correct the syncing issues with my MacBook. We did a brief review of the fixes. I was assured that there was no need for a replacement. Upon arrival home and upon attempting to sync with my iphone a number of errors occurred. Neither my calendar or contacts are syncing properly yet and in fact are producing multiple errors each time I attempt to re-sync. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
5/27/2009 3 Check-ins Here
I've been a Mac user since Mac OS 9 was released. Later with the launch of Mac OS X, I had a good treat in seeing the opening of one the two original Apple stores in Glendale, CA (the other being Tysons Corner, VA). Then as Mac OS X and its reiterations became the main attraction, so did the proliferation of Apple stores.
The interior layout and design retains it's core concept since the start. You get to feel, touch and play with everything Apple is selling along with a couple of third-party gadgets and accessories in a bright, uncluttered store filled with helpful people who aren't necessarily as knowledgeable in answering technical details, but at least make an effort to answer all your questions and research them as well.
I have to justify my overall 3-star rating because after seeing a couple of well-designed Apple stores around California and Nevada including lining up at 4am for the launching of the (then) ultra-modern stainless steel exterior appearance of the Downtown SF store with it's glass stairs (which was later succeeded by the even better The Grove LA location, and then ultimately Apple's Fifth Avenue NY underground location ala the Louvre). And then Apple decides to build it's one and only store in BC by giving us...this? What the what? One rectangular store with the same basic Apple retail store layout.
Bright? Check.
Uncluttered? Check.
Friendly staff? Check.
Boring one-level layout? Check.
Small selection of software and accessories? Check.
I respect that Apple even chose to build it's one of only 9 stores in Canada in Vancouver, but why look like a last-minute decision? Has someone backed out of the floor space and it suddenly opened up for the taking? I don't want to bite on you too much, dear Apple, but with the solid success of the iPod line I'm sure you can reflect your market share by rewarding Apple patrons with a more extensive product offering of accessories. Your selection is as miniscule as the authorized Apple store in Yaletown (and their location is more kick-ass, thank you). You just made me want to shop more online and across the border.
Priority in stocking this store does not seem an issue (i.e. like when the Airport Extreme Dual-Band was released, they had one or two in stock which wouldn't last the day before finally getting a dozen after a few weeks.) The same is true with the few, select accessories which this store obviously caters to the iPod line than the Mac Pro and Mac Book Pro products.
But overall you are an Apple store. If I want to physically check an Apple product, I know where to head on to. Thank you for even making an effort to build one in Vancouver. -
Review from Kimli W.
8/12/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Brendan is my favourite!
I love this Apple store - I've always received great service here. By chance, I've purchased two of my last three toys from the same gentleman - the aforementioned Brendan - who not only remembered me, but really helped me with a minor problem I was having. Friendly service and shiny toys - I would live here if they'd let me. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2008
It's hard to walk past this shop, with its glowing computer screens pulsing at such regular rates. The now familiar bluescreens and distinctive dancing silhouettes from past iPod ads tempt every passerby, daring them to walk past without a second glance.
Need another iPod? I'm on my fourth and I still find their latest release of Nano's very tempting... and the iPhone! I'm still hoping that my mom, who has been complaining that her fingers are too fat and movements too clumsy to maneuver the iPhone, will give me hers. Even though the MacAirs have been discredited by design snobs as being too fragile, they hover in such a delicately alluring way on the countertops. Something about that Apple logo is just so bloody sexy.
Service could stand to be a bit better, though. Especially in the AppleCare department. -
Review from Sarah S.
North Vancouver, BC
3/28/2010
Let it be known, I am absolutely sick of Steve Jobs but I love his products....cue angry geeks.
After the new 27-inch iMacs came out I went to the Apple store every Friday to touch them inappropriately. I am pretty sure she gave me a hand trojan though.
The store itself was shuffled around and more tables added so it is cramped and claustrophobic. On a Friday it is near impossible to find a person to help you but other days of the week it seems to be OK. The blue shirts are very chatty which is why it takes awhile to get help. I think this is a good thing though because they talk about computers not crap. Why after all these complaints am I giving it full stars? Apple baby, apple. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/5/2008
While walking through Pacific Centre, I was sucked into the Apple Store as if by a tractor beam. Light, airy, and filled with well-designed gadgetry, the store overcame my resistance to all things prefixed with "i". (And here I always rooted for PC guy.) They've got MacBooks, iPod Touches, and iPhones all laid out and turned on so you can play with them to your hearts content. Although, I walked in on a weekday morning when things were relatively calm - the store is probably wall-to-wall on a weekend.
I've never been a gadget freak, and I've never been an Apple fan, but I find myself now lusting for an iPod Touch to call my own. It seems so bright and welcoming, but beware, the Apple Store has eerie powers. -
Review from Gretchen C.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
i always feel so overstimulated in this store. it's so bright and so much is going on all the time. the people that work here are great though, and always so friendly and knowledgeable - amazing customer service for sure. not to mention there are always a million computers/ipads/iphones to play with.
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Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2008
Oh the Apple Store - the mecca of all Steve Jobs' faithful followers. It's fantastic! They have all these pretty toys out in the open so you can play as much as you want. The staff is amazing with all their knowledge they're so willing to share with you. And to top it off, they have these great little info sessions for Mac products that really allow you to get out the full potential out of your items! And even if you dont have any Mac products, you should still go in to see all the pretty things... trust me, you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Natalie S.
3/20/2009
Super friendly as usual at an Apple Store and across the street from my hotel in downtown Vancouver.
