If you've ever been to an Apple Store and thought it was a crazy experience, you'll think it was nothing compared to the Apple Store at Festival Walk. I would describe the Festival Walk Apple Store as...CRAY CRAY to the max times 100.
I came here a few weeks ago to look into purchasing an iPhone 6s with my mom. In order to purchase an iPhone, you have to wait in a pretty lengthy queue. I had my mom stand in line for me as I played with around with the display models. It took me about a minute to look at the models before I met with my mom in like. There I was stopped by a security guard asking me why I was cutting in line in Chinese. I explained to him that my mom was waiting in line while I was checking out what model and color I wanted. He then stated that I was cutting in line and that either my mom or I had to leave the line. Huh? Really?
After giving us a somewhat hard time, my mom and I explained to the security guy that we were together and that my mom was waiting in line while I was testing out the models. We then explained we combined were only going to buy one iPhone, and not 10 phones each, therefore preventing others behind us from purchasing a phone (or 10 of them). He had given us a hard time, as he explained, because apparently each queuing customer can purchase up to 10 iPhones. I assume that many patrons buy the iPhones and then resell them in mainland China or overseas.
I would have to say that my overall Apple store experience was an unpleasant one. First of all, it's super crowded and busy... so busy that they rarely pick up phone calls when you call their main telephone number. Secondly, I didn't like being given a hard time after explaining myself to the security guard. I guess maybe cutting happens a lot in this Apple store that they need to implement strict queuing policies? I guess you can say all Apple stores aren't created equal -- each country is different unfortunately.
Of note, Apple's warranty is country specific. So, while Hong Kong offers unlocked iPhones, which is great and all... However, the warranty only applies to Hong Kong. So if your iPhone craps out (as mine has done in the past), you'll need to ship your iPhone to Hong Kong for repairs or fly over to get it serviced. This could get to be expensive. So buyer beware! Your warranty will not be valid in the US or wherever your home country is. read more