Apple Store in Michigan Permanently Closing Next Month

It’s not really “just outside of Detroit.” I’m just outside of Detroit (literally; the city line is across the street from my house), but Partridge Creek is about a 45 minute drive from here. That mall has been losing foot traffic and stores for years. Yes, it is by a community college, but there aren’t many other “destinations” in that area (it’s mostly bedroom communities and some industrial/commercial out there). I suspect most metro Detroiters go to Somerset (or the other close one at 12 Oaks) as there are things to do near those malls. I also suspect that Apple’s probably looked at where its customers live in the area and concluded a lot of us would be more central to the downtown location. Furthermore, the strip along Woodward is becoming a Magnificent Mile-esque area where retailers want to be seen at, so it doesn’t surprise me Apple would want to get in there early.

My main issue with the store being downtown? Parking costs are atrocious in the area. Apple’s either going to need to validate parking at one or two of the garages close to them (and some of the businesses do, so it’s not unheard of), or they’re going to need that location to be truly as central as they’re hoping for. For the record, I am more likely to just walk into an Apple Store in downtown than I am in the suburban locations (I live and work quite close to downtown). Someone who is somewhat close to one of the two suburban stores and the downtown one isn’t likely to go downtown if they have to deal with parking.

I’d love to see the store last a long time down there, but I’m unsure the logistics of a downtown window shopping area are going to be able to properly support it.

The Apple Partridge Creek store is fewer than 15 miles from the Detroit city limits. For at least 99% of the people, that is just outside of Detroit. (I have deep sympathy for the MacRumors writers, when I see what people want to quibble about.)

The Partridge Creek Mall is located along Hall Road, which is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the Detroit area. The area is known as a “retail mecca” and has been dubbed “the golden corridor.” I’ve been to the Apple Partridge Creek store frequently, and it is usually busy. Thus, I don’t think there was a problem with traffic at this store. I think the mall owner raised the rent on Apple too much, and Apple told them to take a hike. I hope Apple opens another location in the area, as the Somerset location is a pain to get into and out of.

I doubt the Detroit location will be a success. Not only is parking a problem, as mentioned, but I think many people will be separated from their purchases before they get back to their car.

I live in the immediate area and greg's assessment is spot on. The Partridge Creek store is very busy at all hours and lines are huge with new product releases. From a customer perspective, this MAKES NO SENSE. It has to be financial as the PC mall grows and rents increase.

The aforementioned new "Detroit" store is of zero interest to most suburbs in Metro Detroit and the Somerset location is a PITA to park and get in and out of.

I am typically a fan boy but this is a REALLY dumb decision on the surface.

Plus two rampant and violent robberies in the last few months is finally the last nail in the coffin.

Unless you work in downtown Detroit, you aren't going there on a regular basis.

It’s not really “just outside of Detroit.” ...

The Apple Partridge Creek store is fewer than 15 miles from the Detroit city limits. For at least 99% of the people, that is just outside of Detroit. (I have deep sympathy for the MacRumors writers, when I see what people want to quibble about.)

The Partridge Creek Mall is located along Hall Road, which is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the Detroit area. The area is known as a “retail mecca” and has been dubbed “the golden corridor.” I’ve been to the Apple Partridge Creek store frequently, and it is usually busy. Thus, I don’t think there was a problem with traffic at this store. I think the mall owner raised the rent on Apple too much, and Apple told them to take a hike. I hope Apple opens another location in the area, as the Somerset location is a pain to get into and out of.

I doubt the Detroit location will be a success. Not only is parking a problem, as mentioned, but I think many people will be separated from their purchases before they get back to their car.

Too bad this is closing. Just next to a community college. The new downtown location will be nice. Great location.

The Somerset store is good. Quite large. That is quite a large mall with lots of visitors.