NBC Think:

In the face of the retail apocalypse, Apple’s brick and mortar stores are thriving.

Apple is setting out to provide better service, more classes, and a better in-store experience, which is exactly what customers want. However, the company is also using its massive cash pile — estimated at $267 billion in May — to buy its way into historical buildings and expand its footprint into cherished public spaces. And that’s not as popular a proposition.

This is an interesting, if not completely accurate take on the issue. I would take issue with the “Even die-hard Apple fans need to be able to take a breath without always being sold something.” I’ve never felt like I was “always being sold something” when I went into an Apple store – and I’ve been in Apple stores all over the world. But it’s always good to critically examine how we use these spaces to ensure they are primarily serving people and not corporations.