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A comment on Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal.

Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by objclxt on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:10AM (#4396400)
The fact that it's being reported this was all John Browett's idea (the new head of retail at Apple) should come as no surprise to anyone from the UK, since before joining Apple last year he was CEO of Dixons, a struggling and highly maligned British consumer electronics store.

I don't think anyone who had direct experience of shopping at companies previously run by John Browett would say his appointment by Apple was anything but a bad idea.

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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by Hontano on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:23AM (#4396474)
I forgot Browett came from Dixons. Everyone then said he would probably be disastrous for Apple. Looks like we were correct. I can't imagine him not being shown the door imminently after such a huge PR gaffe.

Asymco just posted figures on staffing levels: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...

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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by podperson on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:48AM (#4396593)
Time to spend more time with family, I think.
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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by huxley on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:17AM (#4396439)
Apple did backpedal from this very quickly and has since the article was published two days ago rescinded the order.
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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by mikeash on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:49AM (#4396604)
Given the reaction, I can only assume that Browett is now on double-secret probation and the next mistake will have him out on the street.

Apple is not the sort of company that's suited to shaving pennies off the operating budget.

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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by cremnob on Friday August 17, 2012 @10:16AM (#4396432)
I agree. The retail stores aren't a profit center and Apple shouldn't treat it as one. A 22% margin for retail is nothing to sneeze at. To his credit, he did reverse the decision (or someone higher up).
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Re:Apple Store Personnel Cuts Linked to Profit Goal by rogerbinns on Friday August 17, 2012 @12:26PM (#4397242)
How about actual numbers from Asymco:

Apple Store Operational Economics: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/09/apple-store-operational-eco...

Are Apple Stores overstaffed: http://www.asymco.com/2012/08/17/are-apple-stores-overstaffe...

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