Today at 6:30pm the Apple Shop at FNAC Paulista was officially opened with a white ribbon cutting. Present at the event where, among others, the President of Apple Brazil, Apple Brazil’s Marketing Director and the Director General of FNAC in Brasil, who gave a short speech, welcoming everyone and thanking all the Apple Fan’s for their presence. The crowd was about 50 to 60 strong and somewhat timid, but gave applause after the cutting. Two photographers (not sure if bloggers, they did not look professional, but Mr. Shapiro and Co. gave a performance anyway) took some pictures. Customers where served Champagne and canapes, and a few blond, long haired, tall girls dressed in Apple Black guaranteed that eyes had something to look at other than Apple’s product line that was presented on the usual woodden tables with all devices functional for people to play with.
I observed that there where many accessories available now that where missing before, including a few mobileme boxes that went for R$189 ($119), not far off from the original price. One of the Apple consultants pointed out that pricing would gradually fall until christmas and that many of the accessories still missing would be on the shelves soon. Currently there are 2 consultants tending to curious clients visiting the Apple Shop at FNAC Paulista. Both are very friendly and knowledgeable. Since they are not salespeople and but consultants they are there for giving advice and answers to curious questions, and unlike sales people, they took time to talk with me for over 15 minutes and answer my questions.
Unfortunately I did not manage to talk to Mr. Shapiro, Apple Brazil’s President. I would have asked him when the iPhone will arrive here. All in all things are looking up. Keep you posted.
