Apple prepares Covent Garden store for launch

Apple is preparing to launch a new store in Covent Garden with unique rooms dedicated to Macs, the iPad, the iPhone 4 and iPods.

The store, which is on The Piazza, will open at 1000BST on Saturday 7 August and is the 300th Apple Store to launch. It is also the biggest Apple Store.

Some 300 staff will be on hand to demonstrate products and offer buying advice. Free technical support is available from the Genius Bar. However, there won't be a Friend Bar.

Every Apple product - except for the white iPhone 4 of course - will be available to buy in store.

"We are thrilled to open a new store in this amazing location in Covent Garden," said Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of Retail.

"Our store on Regent Street is one of the most popular and successful Apple stores in the world, and we think the people of London will love the new Apple Store Covent Garden just as much," Johnson continued.