Apple Store in Grand Central Boosted Neighbors’ Sales by 7.5 Percent

The Apple store in Grand Central Terminal is almost a retail take on the open kitchen, as it consists of a series of displays along the East balcony and no doors. Looking up from below, it’s as if the atmosphere is dotted with white boxes floating up toward the painted constellations.

The majestic ambiance is having an impressive effect on customers, reports the Daily News, as neighboring restaurants and shops have seen their sales between December and March go up 7.5 percent compared to the same period last year. At least some of that is attributable to Apple, MTA officials said at a public meeting.

The extra bump is due to increased foot traffic from Mac fans, store owners told the New York Post. “Especially tourists.”

“Apple has been a super thing for tenants and the overall public,” said Nancy Marshall, director of Grand Central development at the MTA. “The tenants couldn’t be happier.”