DETROIT (WXYZ) — The highly anticipated Apple store in Downtown Detroit is now open, welcoming its first customers just after 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video reports:
Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared in Detroit for the opening and to talk about the Apple Academy.
"The downtown area has changed so much and we're so proud to be a part of that," Cook says. "The Developer Academy is training hundreds of developers. I saw some incredible work done by them. The Manufacturing Academy just started last month, and we could not be more proud than to open the store today."
FULL INTERVIEW: CEO Tim Cook talks about Detroit's new Apple store and academy
Jimmie Comer II said having Cook visit was the opportunity of a lifetime.
"It means a lot for the city of Detroit. It means a lot for us in manufacturing to be able to work with a company like Apple. And the way they leverage the technology that they have for us to be able to find fresh, new solutions in manufacturing in some of the longstanding issues that we've had," Comer said.
Right as the story opened, Cook welcomed customers inside. The store is located at 1430 Woodward Avenue, on the same block as the Shinola Hotel.
"Hello, 313. Our brand-new store in downtown Detroit is opening soon. In the heart of a city pulsing with spirit and innovation, we’re proud to build a space where creativity thrives and business takes shape. We can’t wait to see what drives you," a post on the Apple website read before opening.
Ahead of the opening, customers gathered outside the store for hours.
"It's like downtown Detroit and you know, the new design is looking so cool," said Drey Pang, who was first in line.
To say Pang is an Apple fanatic might be an understatement. He drove from Chicago to get a first bite at the apple.
"This is going to be my 200th store visited worldwide. It's an opening, so I want to make my 200th something special like this," Pang said.
For a short time, Pang was the only person in line — until Virginia Goodrich from St. Clair Shores showed up.
"So, I'm here to get the new iPhone," Goodrich said.
The release of the new iPhone 17 series and the brand-new iPhone Air are part of the draw for many. Goodrich says what's good for apple is good for the city, so the wait was worth it.
"I don't think I've ever stood in line for longer than two hours," she said. "I love Detroit. I've lived here my whole life and I've grown up around Detroit, so I'm down here almost every weekend. So I love to support it and it makes me happy that we have an Apple store in Detroit 'cause it's a lot closer to my house."
Watch below: Apple opens first US manufacturing academy in Detroit
It doesn't get any closer to home than Tony Virella's apartment. He lives next door to the store.
"I think it's going to bring a lot more traffic to downtown Detroit. I believe right now, the closest Apple store is in another city, and so it should hopefully bring a little bit more traffic living right next door to it. I don't think it will be too excessive traffic that will cause too much commotion coming in and out of the building," Virella said.
According to the website, the store will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, through Thursday, Sept. 25.
