The closest Apple store to me is about 30 to 45 minutes away. I knew that if I had spent the extra time on the road, I would have gotten a t-shirt, a family pack of Leopard like I wanted, and probably a high five from their employees. However, I heard that an Apple reseller, under then name “iStore Boutique” was opening on the 27th, but they would be selling Leopard at 6:00 on the 26th, and it was only 15 minutes away. I figured I would give that place a shot, since it was new and closer to my house.

I got in line at around 5:50, holding a 4th place position. The ten-minute wait was awful. There were three kids, no older than 7 years old, banging at the window, screaming random Apple things, such as; “he has an iPhone” and “look how small that Mac is!” than once we got inside, the older people got in line to buy Leopard, and these kids said with curiosity “why’s everyone in line for?” Once the kids found something to do, I was more focused at what was going on in the line.

The cashier took about 5 to 8 minutes to ring up each customer. So, by the time it was my turn, it was around 6:20, which is 30 minutes of waiting. I get to the cashier, looked into her eyes, and with excitement I said “one family pack of Leopard please”. She looked at me, and said “oh, I’m sorry, but we’re only getting those tomorrow.” I wasn’t pleased at all. Not only did I not get a t-shirt, but I also didn’t get a copy of Leopard. I got over the fact a few hours later, knowing that I would have Leopard in my hands only half a day later.

The next morning comes along, I leave my house at around 10:30 to get my copy of Leopard bright an early, so I could install it and give my thoughts on it for MacFocus. I walk in, and am greeted by two of the employees, as it was their official grand opening. One guy stops me, asking me to fill out a form, for a chance to win an iPod of some sort. As I walked to the cash, I was stopped once more, by an employee with a microphone and a man holding a camera. The employee asks, “can I ask you some questions”, so I politely said yes, answered them, and went on my way to the cash. The line to the cash took about 10 minutes this time, and when I finally got there, I asked for the Leopard family pack, only to hear “I’m sorry, we’re only getting those in at noon”. This killed me. I went outside, told my dad that they were only getting them in at noon, so he decided to go in. He asked when they were getting them in, and he got; “not for a week or two”. I was now furious, at the fact that they lied to me, making me think it would only take an hour more before I got Leopard in my hand.

“Apple store in Laval, here we come!” I thought to myself. As soon as I got there, I saw it was packed, all computers and iPods being used, and a line up that contained at least 15 customers. I go to where the copies of Leopard were and I saw a line up of “Family Pack” copies, so I took one of those and a new wireless keyboard and before I knew it, I was next in line. I paid for the stuff, and went on home.

Moral of this store? Stick to the real Apple stores, because the service is great, they always have what you want, and they wont lie to you 3 times in a span of 24 hours. I know that’s the last time I ever go to the iStore in Westmount. Shame on you iStore, shame on you.
How was everyone else’s 10/26?

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