Black Friday 2011: Apple's New Grand Central Store to Open in Time for Post-Thanksgiving Sales

By Luiza Oleszczuk, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The new Apple store inside New York City's Grand Central station is scheduled to open by Nov. 11, just in time for the post-Thanksgiving shopping fever of Black Friday, and before the Christmas rush.

The construction of the new Apple store is scheduled to end by Nov. 11, as reported by Tech Crunch Monday. That means that by Nov. 25, New York shoppers should be able to indulge in browsing the shelves full of Apple devices. The 23,000 square-foot store will stand when once Metrazur Restaurant did.

The new Apple store will share the spot with a new location of Shake Shack, the popular hamburger destination, The New York Times' City Room reported Tuesday.

"I can't imagine why any kid in Westchester wouldn't want to go to Grand Central and shop at Apple and eat at Shake Shack," said Jeff Rosen, the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) real estate director, according to AM New York.

But some New Yorkers are reportedly concerned that scores of eager Apple and burger lovers will overcrowd the already crowded station which has some 700,000 commuters roll through it daily, as CP reported Monday.

Another concern is linked to fear that the terminal may become overrun by retail chains and advertising excesses that occupied much of Grand Central before its renovation in the 1990s. However, commercially many still believe the move would be a great deal for the city.

Apple will reportedly pay $800,000 a year for the first 10 years of the lease, which increases the rent by almost half a million dollars compared to the previous renters, according to PC World.

Both Apple and Shake Shack are reportedly to go before the MTA's general board on Wednesday for the final vote to approve the two businesses taking over the space at Grand Central Station.