The latest Apple retail store opened its doors Thursday in London’s iconic Battersea Power Station. Shoppers lined up to see the new location, and the Macs and iPhones may have been overwhelmed by the architecture.
Camera shutters were clicking. Check out some of the many images shared of the gorgeous new store, Apple’s 40th in the United Kingdom.
Apple Battersea: Another amazing Apple store
Apple makes a habit of setting up shop in iconic locations around the world. From Rome’s Via Del Corso to New York City’s Grand Central Station, the company splashes out big bucks to transform historic buildings into trendy retail outlets, while always respecting the sites’ history.
Now you can add Battersea Power Station to that list. A coal-fired power station from the 1930s until its shutdown in 1983, at one time it provided electricity to one-fifth of London’s population. The unusual-looking structure — with four massive concrete smokestacks, one in each corner of the largest brick structure in Europe — also graced the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album, Animals.
These days, Battersea houses upscale retail like Apple as well as restaurants, bars, offices (including some filled with Apple employees) and apartments.
Beautiful architecture and happy Apple shoppers
Photo: Apple TV+
The mall built into Battersea has a very industrial, modern look … no surprise. The Apple store, with its open floor plan, all-glass front and wooden walls and tables, fits right in.
Shaun Jenks posted a series of images on Twitter showing how well the retail store harmonizes with its surroundings.
Welcome to Battersea Power station. New Apple Store opening here in a few hours. Also see the entrance to Apples UK offices now housed in the same building. pic.twitter.com/vNUZ9o6MAa
— Shaun Jenks (@Shaunjenks) June 15, 2023
Another fan recorded the moment that the store’s doors opened for the first time, with plenty of enthusiastic shoppers waiting to get inside the new store.
Love the new Apple Store in @BatterseaPwrStn , beautifully designed as well and staff are so ecstatic! #applestore #battersea #batterseapowerstation pic.twitter.com/mU0b0tHjH1
— Adam ⭐️ (@uhoh_adam) June 15, 2023
Just entering the store was a big deal for many.
It was great to be part of the opening of the@Apple #Battersea store. The accessible design of the store is really awesome. pic.twitter.com/dkYfMZCRTD
— Alex (@ipruning) June 15, 2023
Apple Battersea: A big deal for Apple (and for Britain)
The new store is “built with universal design principles that create an inviting and accessible space for everyone who comes through its doors,” Apple said in a press release announcing the store’s opening.
“Our stores are a place where the community can come together to discover all of Apple’s incredible products and services, and we’re proud to be expanding to serve even more customers with the opening of Apple Battersea,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of retail, in the press release. “Located just below our new U.K. headquarters, our amazing team is excited to provide exceptional support and help customers unleash their creativity.”
The new Apple store is also a big deal for Marsha de Cordova, the Member of Parliament for Battersea. “Apple’s investment in Battersea is a huge sign of confidence in our thriving local economy and shows that Battersea is becoming one of the leading areas in London for jobs, growth and opportunities,” she said on Twitter.
It was great to be part of the opening of the @Apple Battersea store.
Huge sign of confidence in our local economy to have Apple choose #Battersea as home for its UK HQ.
Battersea is open for business & is one of the leading areas growth, investment & opportunities. pic.twitter.com/44HE6DC1RM
— Marsha de Cordova MP (@MarshadeCordova) June 15, 2023
Opening festivities at Apple Battersea
Photo: Apple
Apple planned multiple events for the opening weekend:
“In celebration of the opening of Apple Battersea, Apple Music will host live performances outside the store from Thursday through Sunday, featuring local artists JGrrey and Kwaye, among others,” the company said. “Additionally, in partnership with Battersea Arts Centre and Curated Makers, Apple Creatives have supported eight local emerging creatives to bring Shot on iPhone and Made on iPad works to life, all inspired by Battersea Power Station. Customers will be able to discover and shop these works at Curated Makers, a retailer in the power station that champions local artists.”
And, in addition to the typical free Today at Apple sessions, the company plans to special ones for the new location: “Photo Tour: Capturing the Story of Battersea Power Station” and “Art Tour: Drawing Perspective at Battersea Power Station.
The store also is giving out tote bags with an Apple Battersea logo. And anyone can download a bricky Apple Battersea wallpaper for free.
These Apple Battersea tote bags are really nice. pic.twitter.com/f6SEEKHnpX
— Hartley Charlton (@HartleyCharlton) June 15, 2023
The design of the store comes from the U.K.’s Foster + Partners, according to deezeen. New design elements include a lowered section of the Genius Bar for accessibility reasons.
Plus some classic Macs
People go to their local Apple store to buy a new Mac, but there were a couple of classics at today’s big opening of Apple Battersea, too.
A huge warm welcome to our neighbours over at the newly opened @Apple store at @BatterseaPwrStn!#controlroomb #batterseapowerstation #cocktail #apple #newopening #applestore #applebattersea #applestorebattersea #battersea pic.twitter.com/mQg68GIiBZ
— Control Room B (@controlroomb) June 15, 2023
This one is running the beta of macOS Sonoma!
https://twitter.com/daylightludo/status/1669380389037637632
