Apple is preparing to reopen its Lakeside store in Essex, United Kingdom this weekend following a major redesign of the location, almost 20 years after it first welcomed customers.
The store, located inside Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, originally opened in October 2007. Apple will temporarily close the location on Friday, September 11 before unveiling the redesigned store at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12.
As reported by AppleInsider, the overhaul introduces several features found across Apple’s more recently updated retail locations, including a dedicated Apple Pickup area for online orders and a separate Genius Bar for product support.
Apple has also created a new experience room where customers can explore its products, while Today at Apple sessions will continue to offer free educational and creative workshops at the store. Apple’s schedule already lists sessions at the redesigned location from its reopening day, including Mac, Apple Intelligence and family-focused workshops.
Accessibility has been given greater attention as part of the work. The redesigned store includes tables and seating at different heights, assisted listening systems, improved visual and acoustic clarity and routes intended to make navigating the space easier for wheelchair users.
Apple says the store uses renewable energy and incorporates more sustainable materials as part of the redesign.
The Lakeside refurbishment comes as Apple continues to update its retail estate around the world. The company opened its first UK Apple Store on Regent Street in 2004 and now operates dozens of locations across the country.
Apple Lakeside will remain open through Thursday, September 10, with special opening hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., before closing for one day ahead of Saturday’s reopening.
