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Apple has become a retailing star

In computer giant’s stores, commercialism and community make tech icon a retailing star

By Michael B. Farrell

 |  Globe Staff  

  March 25, 2012

The Globe was given a rare inside look into how the Apple Store works, and how some of its 36,000 employees spread across 336 stores worldwide, are helping to change shopping much as the iPod altered how people listen to music. The company’s stores have become more than just places to get gadgets. They’re a destination to meet like-minded techies, or pick the brains of the Apple Store experts - part library, part community center, and part coffee shop (without the coffee).

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