Apple has seen unexpected success with its retail stores. Their presence has accounted for much of the increase in Apple revenues since they opened. During its fourth quarter conference call, Apple announced that they planned to open new "mini" stores across the country. Sized at 1,500 sq. ft. (compared to 3,000-6,000 sq. ft. for the originals), the stores would be used to expand Apple's presence into new markets while increasing its footprint in markets in which Apple Stores are already present.
Ars correspondent Charles Jade made to the grand opening of one of Apple's new mini stores, located in Palo Alto, California. He reports on the latest ideas from Apple's retail division (plenty of iPods and no eMacs) and gives the low-down on Apple's new, bite-size stores.

http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/applemini.ars