Apple Opening New Store in MBS & It Looks Like a Spaceship That’s Landed on the Sea At Night

When you think about Marina Bay Sands (MBS), what’s the first thing that comes to mind.

Probably the National Day Parade or a concert, right?

Sadly, we’re in 2020 which means COVID-19 screwed those over anyway.

But if you’ve been following several rumours around MBS, there’s one that might come true pretty soon.

New Apple Store

Apple fans, get your iPhones out and rejoice.

After much speculation and a distinct lack of information, it’s been confirmed that Apple will open a new store at MBS.

It also looks suspiciously like the Death Star from Star Wars or a shiny takoyaki ball in the day.

Image: Vulcan Post

So if you were ever wondering what that sphere in the middle of MBS was, there you go!

The company announced on 24 August that it would be opened ‘soon‘ without an official date.

“We will soon open the doors to our new store by the Bay. Apple Marina Bay Sands will be at the heart of creativity, a place we’ve made for you to capture your ideas and passions. It will be a space for you to explore, connect and create something new. We can’t wait to see where your imagination takes you.”

And while it might be meh in the day, wait till you see how it literally glows at night.

The store is fully decked out with neon lights coupled with the large company logo in the middle.

Previously Occupied Post

It wasn’t always a disco ball, though.

Previously, a nightclub known as Avalon had occupied the space from 2011 to 2016.

It didn’t take long for construction of the store to start soon after they left.

The MBS store also marks the third official Apple store in Singapore with the other two located at Orchard and Jewel Changi.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to go, you can bet the crowd is going to be immense.

Make sure to keep up your safe distancing measures in place or the men-in-blue will have plenty of work to do.

We don’t need an iPhone 11 queue situation in this pandemic.

Image: Facebook (Jocelyn Tee)

Dr Seshan Ramaswami, associate professor of marketing education at the Singapore Management University, commented that it was unusual to see huge brands open a store like this during the pandemic.

Though he felt the store might not generate enough revenue, he sees the crisis as a potential for other parts of the business as well.

“But good locations in premium malls like MBS that attract a very exclusive clientele are not always available, and large companies with deep pockets like Apple… (could) use the crisis to negotiate a good rental.”

Dr Ramaswami adds that it could also help boost tourism when Singapore finally reopens.