By now, you would have already heard of the hype around Apple The Exchange TRX, the first Apple Retail store in Malaysia. (If you haven’t, excuse our shameless plug to follow our Instagram page so you don’t miss out on updates like this!) Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s energetic Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) central business district, the new store promises to “deliver the magic of Apple in the country like never before.”
But wait, we know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t Apple products also available at authorised resellers such as Machines and Switch?” Well, you’re not wrong. In fact, you can also shop Apple’s range of products and services through its website and have them delivered to your doorstep. So, what’s the big deal with this new store, aside from its novelty and the fact that Apple itself is running the show?
Allow us to break down five key points that make Apple The Exchange TRX such an exciting opening for Apple fans and tech enthusiasts.
A destination in its own right
Like any other Apple store in the world, Apple The Exchange TRX is truly a destination in its own right. For starters, where else in Malaysia can you find three levels of retail space dedicated entirely to Apple? Even if you’re not a fan of the brand, the architectural design of the store is a sight to behold, drawing mall visitors for a peek inside its continuous glass facade.
Spanning three floors, Apple The Exchange TRX connects the mall’s central atrium at Level 1 to a lush rooftop park that wraps around the store on Level 3. Crowning the store is a three-dimensional layered roof constructed from horizontal glass panels and shading blades to reduce the sun’s rays. Its central glazed oculus allows sunlight into the interior during the day, while a dynamic artificial-lighting feature emits a warm glow at night.
Inside the store, a sculptural quartz and glass staircase connects the three levels for customers to explore, learn, and shop. The use of high-quality materials including natural stone walls, polished stainless-steel columns, light terrazzo floors, and a timber ceiling altogether exude a refined, elegant atmosphere. Simply put, the entire store is incredibly photogenic – we foresee shutterbugs having a field day here.
What’s more, Apple The Exchange TRX runs on 100 percent renewable energy and is carbon neutral – demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
The Apple Retail experience
Design aside, visitors will be able to enjoy the full Apple Retail experience at the store. This includes access to the brand’s full lineup of products and services, with unparalleled support from over 160 team members. Cumulatively, they speak more than 10 different languages and are ever ready to assist customers of all walks of life.
As Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail puts it: “Being able to support and directly connect with a new community is always a special experience for our retail teams, and we can’t wait to welcome customers to this beautiful space designed for discovery, creativity, and shopping for the world’s most innovative products.”
Visitors are welcome to explore the store’s display tables and avenues, featuring everything from the new iPad Air with M2 and Macbook range to the iPhone 15 lineup and the latest Apple Watches – Apple’s first-ever carbon neutral products. Apple Specialists are also on hand to connect with the local community for personalised setup and support, switching to iOS, and Apple Trade In, where customers can get credit toward a new device by trading in their current one.
Apple Pickup and Genius Bar
If you already have your eye on a particular Apple product, you can place an order online and pick it up from the dedicated Apple Pickup counter at Apple The Exchange TRX at your convenience. Plus, you can also make an appointment for hands-on technical and hardware support at what Apple calls the ‘Genius Bar’ to get help from an expert.
Today At Apple sessions
Every Apple store in the world serves as an inspiring hub for education, and Apple The Exchange TRX is no different. Thus, customers can look forward to free in-store sessions through Today at Apple events, where Apple Creatives will empower attendees to tap into their creativity and learn how to get the most out of their devices. This will take place at The Forum, a floating deck on the second level, smack in the middle of the store. Topics may range from basics and how-to lessons to iPhone photo and video tours that take advantage of the beautiful store location.
To celebrate the opening, a special Today at Apple series, “Jom Discover” will run from Saturday, June 22, through Saturday, July 6. The series brings together some of Malaysia’s most celebrated creators, offering a glimpse into the creative process while showcasing Apple’s innovative products and services. Sessions in the “Jom Discover” series include:
Performance: De Fam
Workshop: Capture Portraits on iPhone with Jason smashpop
Spotlight: Video Magic on Mac with Adam Lobo
Workshop: Turn Ideas into Action on iPad with Iman Azman
Spotlight: Live Well with Nana Mohd and Apple Watch
Education pricing
In line with Apple’s initiative to empower education, students and families can save on every purchase of a Mac or iPad with Apple Education Pricing, available exclusively through Apple Retail. Whether in-store or online, eligible customers can also take advantage of the university student offer running through September 30 to receive complimentary AirPods when they buy an eligible Mac, or an Apple Pencil when they buy an eligible iPad. Tip: For new users, taking advantage of education pricing at the physical store comes with the added benefit of setups and tutorials by helpful Apple Specialists!
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Apple The Exchange TRX opens on Saturday, June 22, at 10am. Customers are invited to check out curated content celebrating the essence of creativity in Malaysia across Apple TV+, Apple Music, and the App Store, and sign up for upcoming Today at Apple sessions.
Images courtesy of Apple