LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The Apple Store at the Promenade at Chenal opens at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Many tech-savvy and gadget geeks will come out in droves as the highly anticipated store opens its doors for the first time in Little Rock this morning.
People began lining up last night to be one of the first people in the store.
For the city of Little Rock and the struggling Promenade shopping center, the Apple store means more than just a place to buy cool new toys.
There are more than 300 Apple stores worldwide. While national retail sales dropped in 2009 by 2.4%, Apple sales rose 7%. Profit margins in each store is estimated at 27% whereas stores like Best Buy are only at 1%.
According to Professor Jane Wayland with UALR, the lure of the Apple store isn't just for the tech saavy, it's for the consumers who want to learn how to use the products.
"A lot of people have done their home homework online, but many want to touch and feel and see the latest and the newest," says Wayland. "What Apple does for the Promenade is build traffic while they are here. They are going to shop around other stores so it's a wonderful addition for Little Rock."
The Promenade will also soon boast a J.Crew store and a Niketown which will raise it up to 90-percent occupancy.