Apple Store

I went in the Richmond location for an iPhone repair. I was lucky enough to have it fixed without an appointment. All the staff were quick to help each of the clients. They treat you like you’re part of the Apple family. They also let you use the electronics while you wait and they have wi-​fi!

Always, always, always schedule an appointment if you can. This is one of the busier locations so they’re almost always booked full, but in the case of emergencies they always somehow manage to make things work. The touchscreen on my iPhone started flickering and then died so I brought it in to get fixed. Their techs pulled off some magic trick and got the screen working again so I could back everything up in iCloud and then they swapped my phone for a new one. Melissa & Zac, who were basically the coolest and greatest, were the two wonderful individuals who helped us today. RC is a bridge and two cities away, but I’d choose this location any day.

I came here to get my screen and my iPod first generation fixed. It wasn’t under warranty, therefore, there was still a very small charge to have the screen and function working. The guy assisting me was friendly enough. There was a bit of a wait to get serviced as well as having the issue fixed but in the end my iPod was restored. I did loose some of my music but I did keep the original MP3 files. It was just a pain in the ass to restore.

Nothing going to an Apple Store just to buy some of the latest Apple Products such as the iMac, iPhone and iPod. Some of these customers here are asking questions about the products. As much as the customer service aspect is doing pretty well, the problem is that the products are part of a brand name that everyone wants. While their products tend to annoy Android users and what not, most of the time, people are either not interested in the technology in the computers and just want an iMac just to please their family or there are people who need an iMac just to work on Music and Art.
If you want to come in and just to have fun with the iProducts, be my guest. However, keep in mind, you might as well pay a couple of livers just for these expensive things.

I haven’t actually bought any products from this Apple Store before, since the one at Oakridge is my Apple Store of choice.
What I do like here is the fact that the staff are generally chill and let me just stand there charging my phone without any bother, the 2 times my battery was dangerously low & I had no charger/​cables with me. So for that, I’m thankful! :)

After visiting two Apple Stores (Pacific and Oakridge) in order to unsuccessfully buy a bluetooth «magic» keyboard, I decided to call this store to check if they had it in stock.
I was told that that they do have it, but they have a limited stock and one cannot be set aside for me. 10 minutes later, the girl on the phone reluctantly agrees to reserve one for me (why else am i calling in the first place?!).
Half hour later I am in the store and ask for the keyboard and the guy returns with some beastly big iPad keyboard which was obviously not what i reserved. «There must have been some misunderstanding». It was certainly not a misunderstanding as the one she reserved was well in stock! She knew exactly what she was doing. Staff wasn’t really helpful except typical «it wasn’t me» bs.
On a side-​note I ordered the keyboard online and it will be more than a week until it is delivered! In the meantime i bought a logitech easy-​switch keyboard which is actually better than the apple’s «magic» one which i will be returning right after it arrives.
AVOID this store like a plague. They are not up to the Apple’s standard. I understand mistakes happen, but i cannot justify this one not being an intentional one. I wouldn’t trust them.

I bought a JBL speaker just 2 days, and the bluetooth seemed had a problem in connection to the device, I took it to store, but the speaker had a little dent on the surface, so they did not give me an exchange, the manager said: We don’t sell defective products. And he gave me a phone # of JBL service center, and I need to take this to the repair center. As an importer many years in Japan. We received and accepted a lot of returns from all my customers (even a very small retail shop), we never asked any question, and always gave the customers credit or a brand new one. (a funny story is: we got a return from a small store, my customer took it apart { a laughing pen, made in Japan } to be about 100 pieces parts. My staff asked me, and I said give them a brand new one, no problem. And we refurbished them or threw them for recycle or used them as a sample of our Research dept. And a big store like Apple, could not do this. I think that’s why their big boss made a lot of money from their Apple fans, and need to die so early.

Terrible, terrible, terrible service.
I hate this Apple Store so much, that it empowered me to create my account and write this review.
First off two years ago I came into the Apple Store waiting to buy my MacBook, wasn’t greeted by anybody and I was wandering for 15mins at the MacBook section waiting for someone to ask if I needed help. Eventually I had to go up to the sales person myself to get noticed. From there, I told the sales persons I had an employee discount (if you work at certain places, you can get a discount off Apple products. Same discount as students). Clearly they have never dealt with this situation before because it took another 30 mins of waiting and figuring stuff out before they could verify and apply my discount.
Okay whatever.
A month ago, my boyfriend went to fix his phone. We made an apple appointment a day ago, and we still had to wait at least 30 minutes no lie on a Thursday night for us to get serviced. We also had to wait 15 minutes to get checked in.
The apple genius who helped us that time was friendly and actually notified my bf that his front camera lens was displaced and he should get it fixed before his warranty expires. So my boyfriend made another apple appointment but this time he did it online.
Doing so online, the Apple appointment booker doesn’t let you specify what you’re coming in for. So when my bf came to the mall that day for his appointment they told him that they can’t fix it because it takes 1.5 hours. The apple genius gave him a sticker with his name on it and a bar code, and then said come in tomorrow to drop it off, it’ll be a quick 15 minutes brief appointment.
Another apple appointment was set up. The next day I actually came with my bf to drop off his phone. I was on my hour break, and since I worked inside the same mall as this Apple Store I went to, I went with him. Keeping in mind the genius yesterday said it only took 15 mins, all he needed to do was to drop off his phone and go. We waited quite a while to get checked in. Honestly they have so many employees standing in the front that do nothing, why can’t you have two employees checking in customers? Anyways. We had to sit and wait another 30 minutes to get a genius to us. All we needed to do was drop off his phone??? I don’t understand why we would have to wait SO LONG… It was ridiculous. We never met our genius, and my bf did not see the genius who helped him yesterday so he couldntask why it is taking so long to drop off his phone. Finally someone approached us and said, «have you been helped?» And we answered no and my bf began to explain what he is waiting for. This genius took his phone to the back and we waited another 15 minutes before he came outside and said «okay you are good to go, just come back in 1.5 hours and it’ll be fixed»
Why would you make us wait for so long just to tell us we can leave? Why couldn’t you have just taken his phone in ASAP so you can carry on with other appointments? Why did the genius yesterday say it’ll take only 15 minutes to drop off when it took 30+ mins???
Driving me crazy, I was beyond pissed. Even though it was not my phone, if we pay big $$ for your products please give your customers some quality service. It’s easy for Apple to get away with such shitty customer service because their company is so big that they know people will always keep buying no matter what. It’s a sad reality really how a big brand can easily get away with treating their customers like crap.
Anyways, after we finished dropping off the phone it was already 3:15. When I got off worked at 5:30, it has been much over an hour and a half. The promise time that we were given. Since my bf did not have a phone since he was getting it serviced, I told him to meet me at my store when I’m off and if he wasn’t there I would assume he was at the Apple Store. He was able to login on FB at the apple store and told me he was still waiting for his phone. Sigh I honestly was not surprised. Keep in mind it was a Monday too, how busy can it be on a Monday?!
I go meet my BF at the store. As I walked in the Apple Store I was holding two drinks in my hands, the person in the front of the store who normally greets people, did not greet me and instead gave me a face. He looked very confused as why am I bringing in two drinks into the store by myself. It really ticked me off because I didn’t understand why he was giving me a look. I proceeded to look back at him with a face a confusion, as I walked in to the store I looked back and he was still looking at me and I continued to look back. Why are you having a staring contest with me dude?
I go to meet my BF at the store, we don’t leave till 6pm. Basically 1.5 hours turned into almost 3 hours. My boyfriend was at the store at 5 too. He had to wait an hour just to pick his phone was was supposedly ready at around 4:45. Luckily my boyfriend has more patience than me, but I don’t tolerate shitty customer service.
Sigh.

Acted quickly when my laptop battery had an issue. Over the course of three days, a new battery was ordered, transfered from one store to this one, and installed for no labor charge. I did have to pay for the battery, but it was only a tiny fraction of the laptop’s original cost. I have bought many other things from here too; iPhones, accessories, and gift cards, and all the staff were friendly, fast-​acting, and make you want to come back again and again.

Coming back in one year picked up my reservation, this apple store impressed me a lot. The whole line up and get help system improved a lot and more efficient to be helped. Matthew who helped me is one of the best rep I ever met in apple stores and provided me many helpful suggestions on apple products and he has broad knowledge on apple products and services. The way I evaluate the sales rep is whether they know their products better than me. (I’m not a apple fans honestly) after came out from apple store, I am planning to upgrade my toys!

The staff aren’t as friendly as the Metrotown location. They also seem a bit disorganized. I had a genuis bar appointment, but no one came to help me when it was my appointment time, even having checked in at the counter. I had ask repeatly for someone to come and assist me.

I have really depended on this store and their staff for their knowledge and expertise. Unfortunately, my most recent experience has shaken that trust considerably and I will, from this point forward, be getting second opinions when faced with potentially expensive situations.
I have been an iPhone user since day 1, specifically, an unlocked iphone user. Using unlocked phones has saved me a small fortune for what I consider to be minimal inconvenience.
I have gone month-​to-​month for years now, opting to buy devices outright rather than pay for them over and over gain through some inflated plan.
The downside to this, of course, is when your phone gets damaged or otherwise doesn’t work, it’s your own problem.
So, after accidentally dropping my iPhone in the sink a couple of weeks ago, I took all the recommended action… I used a blow dryer on a low heat setting, then into a bag of rice.
Within less than a day of this incident, I decided to take my iPhone to the Richmond Centre store to see if anything more could be done while the phone dried out.
I made an appointment, and the «genius» assigned to me took the phone into the back while I waited out front.
The verdict: the iPhone was ruined. Very specifically, I was told that the inside of the phone was totally corroded and there was no possible fix due to the sheer extent of damage and corrosion inside the phone.
Right after this, and I mean right after, the discussion switched gears right away to trying to get me to sign a contract and get another iPhone before I left the store.
I explained that I «don’t do» contracts, and have never payed for a data plan. Silence for a moment, then the «genius» commented that I must have saved a fortune over the years, that few people do the math, that over the long term it’s cheaper to just buy your own phone outright.
I then asked for my old iPhone back; I needed time to consider what I wanted to buy to replace it. This seemed to be somewhat of a surprise to the staff member helping me.
I guess that a lot of folks must just abandon their damaged-​beyond-​repair devices at the store and leave with a new one.
Anyhow, I got another unlocked iPhone, but still had the old one. A friend’s 17 year old son asked if he could look at it. I thought sure, why not. He popped the back off I front of me. I was shocked. There was NO corrosion. The inside of the iPhone was in PERFECT condition. What was wrong, however, is that two wires had obviously been disconnected. He reconnected them, plugged the phone into a charger, and the iphone immediately started to function normally again.
My opinion? If this store tells you your device is ruined, get a second opinion, and take your device with you when you leave.
I am extremely disappointed by the experience I had at this store, and urge caution in trusting information concerning repairs or damage to devices at this store.
What I was told was just plain wrong.

Too crowded. Lots of people spending time in here and also hovering around the couches outside this store taking advantage of their free wifi.
The staff are knowledgeable but I find preference to help is to people that have bought their package.

Prefer this one over the Oakridge anyday, though they can both a zoo, this one’s a bit larger and brighter. Newer too.
Typical friendly staff and service.
And easier to get to from the parking lot if you park it right ;)

This store is extremely busy. I’ve had mixed results with getting help and advice.
If you need to have your computer fixed I recommend asking for Annie. She really knows what she’s doing when it comes to electronics and her customer service skills are second to none.

Unorganized chaos is the words I will use for this store that is one big glorified showroom! Everytime you cross this store all you see is people, and I always wondered what people do in there, I mean really, they don’t sell that much, some computers, some phones and some tablets. Yeah sure they teach some classes, but this store always has people in it. I have been to other Apple stores and have been helped right away, and on the most recent visit here, I had one purpose, and now I know, if you ‘fanboys’ are going to buy the ‘fruit that is bitten’ don’t come here.
I look at the high star reviews, and I shake my head, really people’s? Have you been in this store, I’ll admit, I’m no fanboy, I dislike the drug that Apple has sent to all you crack-​addicts out there, but I also have been to some other stores, and have purchased things for friends and have had great service, not this store, not one bit! When you go in here, there is no greeter and there is zero (ZERO = 0) sense of direction. I was talking to a guy who was wearing a black shirt (not the normal blue shirt) with ‘business’ embroidered on there looking for help as there was no one I could flag down, «I’m sorry, your just going to wait»… ok I just saw you help someone with a transaction before I opened my mouth, and last time I saw… on a Sunday. no one doing ‘business’ was buying crap from you at this time of day!
I told the guy, I have nothing to ask, I just want to buy something and get out of this crazy store! Really, I don’t need to be babysat through my transaction, they need to create an express lineup where you can just line up, get your stuff, and get the hell out of that hell hole called the Apple store! In the end, after waiting there in front of a pointless display table of iPads and iPhones a guy came and said «how can I help you», I asked for the product, they said they didn’t have it, and they said they could give me the phone number of another store to call, «Really»? I should drop a 1-​star on this review, you can’t make the call for me, your not technically advanced to go into the bloody iCloud to check your other stores, nope.
Other stores, right off the bat would have someone at the front saying hello, can I help you, and then they would get someone to help me in my cause, not this store, oh no… not at all. I think they need to re-​visit the whole shopping experience, really Apple, this store needs some serious reconsideration on the whole approach!

Entering the familiar bright, clean and crisp atmosphere of Apple with their friendly colour coordinated staff is comforting — if you forget about the crowds of people playing with the lastest Apple products. I’ve had a few appointments with a Genius, and everytime it’s been pleasant with their understanding of products/​situations and need to ensure you are happy with your product.
I enjoy the fact that they have portable credit card scanners so you may walk up to (almost) anyone with a coloured tee-​shirt and purchase your item without having to line-​up (Because all that time saved is used towards lining-​up for the newest iPhone or iPad! haha). Also, I like how they are emailing the receipts — save the environment and no more losing the receipts.
I’m happy an Apple store has finally come to Richmond Centre.

Trendy fella comes up to me armed with Ipad and questions. How can I help you? He asks.
I came here to get my I phone 3g looked at, cause it’s not working but I don’t want to have to make an appointment to see someone on another day. Can I see someone now?
What’s your email address?
it is
Thank you. I’ll ask if someone can see you asap.
I did get my appointment and saw the specialist. It only took about 15 minutes and it gave me time to reflect on the wonderful Android phone that I was planning on replacing my 3g with. At least the Android will work. hehehe
So I see the «specialist» who hands me his card. His credentials? He’s listed as a Genius. No PHD no Doctorate, no MBA or even Rocket Scientist.
He’s just listed as Genius. (smart ain’t it?)
WTH?
And he talked to me like he was a card carrying member of Mensa with attitude. Oh boy, this’ll be fun!
Solution? He goes to an Apple website, plugs my phone in for diagnostics and tells me what he’s reading on the website. (only a Genius could do that)
I say that I think it’s my Unilocal app that could… be creating the websurfing problems but it’s actually ever since the 4.0 upgrade that I’ve had problems. Prior to that no problem.
He says, Yes, it’s your Unilocal app that is freezing on you. Try these options…
Which I reply that I already have. (and later that night I did it again. results were a little bit better, but then it got all clogged up again).
Of course the Genius couldn’t admit defeat and that Apple hasn’t really done anything wrong. Maybe look at getting an upgrade?
Why? Why would I need to break down and get something that I don’t really need when I have it already and it should be working?
Because I have a 3G which the 3Gs shortly came out just after I got my brand new 3G, and then after that the 4G and soon the 5G.
How much more do I need to spend to find something that works and then find out that it’s obsolete by the time I get it?
Make no sense to me other than Steve Jobs is putting on a con job on everyone who buys an Apple. Just be careful that when you do bite into that apple, it is not always Eden you will live in. Just ask Adam and Eve.
(on another note, they do have good product, but there are competiting items that are just as good. Have a look at an orange or a banana. There’s more to life than just Apples.

It’s hard to write a review for a store, with a multinational, iconic brand behind it. The theory is that every store is the same, no matter where you are in the world.
This doesn’t give much for Unilocalers to write about. Since this store is newly opened (2 days as of the time I’m writing this review), the Genius bar seems to be not as booked as the Oakridge Centre location, here in the Lower Mainland. So if you’re looking for some help, and Oakridge seems full all the time, try this location instead.

A nice and roomy store in the newly updated secion Richmond Centre mall, this Apple Store is set up like most other Apple Stores (at least like the one in downtown Vancouver and Austin’s Domain and Barton Creek locations).
The staff (geniuses. sorry, Sheldon) are friendly (as must be a requirement to work at the store). I talked to one gentleman at this location who told me about options on my iPhone that I did not know existed (and they had nothing to do with the jailbreak). For examples, when locked, if you double-​click the HOME button, the iPod feature becomes visible allowing you play/​pause music without unlocking the phone. He was also very familiar with my alma mater, University of Texas.
The store was crowded since it was opening day and probably will stay that way the next few days as people filter in to that side of the mall.
It has all the usual Apple product lines and accessories. I think the design and layout of the store is what keeps people coming back. It’s familiar and easy to find the product you want in any Apple Store and this one is no exception. So, if you’re an Apple Store groupie and travel between locations, you will be home here.
I’d like to see each Apple Store have manager only specials specific to that store such as Canada’s London Drug’s or the US’ Walgreen’s. For me, that alone is reason enough to be come a groupie (I visit Walgreen’s in every city I visit, even multiple locations in the same city).
The thing I like most about the Apple Store is that you can test the equipment (meaning that for any of the music players, I can use my iPhone or iPod Classic instead of theirs).
The only thing I hate about the Apple Store (and this is true for most other companies I’ve visited such as Best Buy, Futureshop, Circuit City, London Drugs, etc). is that you cannot test the headsets (with microphones) or headphones (without microphones) for comfort and sound. I am guessing that is a sanitary/​health issue.