France may outdo US in store openings

As foreshadowed in late October, Apple today revealed its first Parisian Apple Store, located in the Carrousel du Louvre. The shop is situated within close range of the famous Louvre art museum, and uses an elaborate two-floor design, with unique touches such as diamond-shaped windows. Coinciding with the store launch is the release of a free Musée du Louvre iPhone app, which showcases various exhibitions, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

MacGeneration reports that during a press presentation, Apple announced that the next French retail store will open on November 14th in Montpellier, located in the south of the country. A second Parisian store near the Garnier operahouse will finally see completion in summer 2010. Apple's senior VP of retail, Ron Johnson, additionally claims that France will soon have the fastest store opening rate in the world. US expansion has slowed since the onset of economic recession, although Apple has not suffered as much as some retailers.

by MacNN Staff