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, a flagship store.]] This article is about the retail chain. For Apple's online store, see Apple Store . Apple Retail Stores are Computer -related Retail Stores owned and operated by Apple Computer . There are over 125 Apple stores in 31 U.S. states, in addition to worldwide locations in Japan (6), the United Kingdom (6), and Canada (1). The first store in continental Europe will open in Rome in 2006. DESIGN AND HISTORY Apple Stores feature the entire Apple product line of Hardware and Software . They are organized into so-called "solution zones" for movies, photos, music and kids. Selected third party accessories are also available. Many stores feature a theater for presentations and workshops, however all stores offer free workshops on Apple products. Workshop schedules vary by store and are listed on each store's individual webpage. The first Apple Store was opened on May 19 , 2001 at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia . "Flagship" stores have been opened in New York , Los Angeles , Chicago , San Francisco and London , England , with additional flagships known to be planned for Boston and New York City (its second). Apple has received numerous architectural awards for its store designs, particularly its SoHo location. GENIUS BAR All stores feature a " Genius Bar " at which Apple product owners can discuss technical issues or bring their computers in for service. In the stores' original design, visitors to the Genius Bar were greeted with a bottle of Evian water. This amenity was dropped in February 2002 to cut costs. Some stores feature a spin-off of the Genius Bar called "The Studio", with a Genius Bar-like setting where customers can meet with a "Creative" and receive help with projects ranging from organizing a photo album to music composition to film editing. Some of the older stores are being considered to carry a Studio in a future remodel, in some cases this is replacing the store's theater. Recently, iPod Bars have been appearing in a small number of stores. These appear to be identical in function to the Genius Bars, but serve to separate iPod issues and Macintosh issues into separate areas. STORE OPENINGS Openings of new stores have turned into a happening among avid Mac users. The events often attract thousands of customers, often lining up early in the morning or even the night before. Getting in early has its benefits, as every store gives out a free T-shirt to the first several hundred people in the door. Added bonuses include discounts and the so-called " Lucky Bags " for flagship store openings. REFERENCES
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