For those hoping to do some browsing while waiting for the iPhone to be released, be aware: Apple Stores will close from 2PM to 6PM while prepping for the iPhone launch. As my colleague Peter Cohen notes, this applies even to the 5th Avenue New York store, which is usually open twenty-four hours a day. So if you were thinking about heading down to your local Apple Store pick up an extra cable on Friday, let me offer you some simple advice: don’t.
One hopes they’ll also be setting into motion some carefully considered plans at crowd control, since I imagine that in many places, the queues will be starting well before then. Apple itself is encouraging the hype, with the following notice posted on the Apple Retail website:
Apple retail stores will be closed on June 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to get ready for the premiere of iPhone. We’ll open the doors again at 6:00 p.m., when you can be one of the first to see, try, and buy the iPhone. Be sure to arrive early — iPhone is available on a first-come, first-served basis.Arrive early? How early? Should I be there now? Could you be a little more terse, guys?
