The man who built Apple’s stores doesn’t buy Silicon Valley’s bet on AI shopping

Panel 1

Alex, excitedly tapping his fingers on the table, Sam, leaning back with a thoughtful look, Robin, clapping his hands and bouncing on the couch,

Alex: Look, Sam! Apple’s latest store in New York is amazing! Ron Johnson says the secret to Apple’s success is all about its people. Think of it, Sam—no AI, no fancy gadgets, just real people. It’s the future of shopping!

Sam: Maybe. But isn’t the idea that people can’t always rely on technology, right, Alex? That’s what keeps people coming back.

Robin: Oh, but who needs technology when you’ve got a great story like that? Let’s build a store with just one person in it. You be the shopkeeper, Sam! And I’ll be the customer.

Panel 2

Alex, grinning, Sam, nodding in agreement, Robin, chuckling,

Alex: Perfect, Robin! And we’ll have a sign that says ‘Welcome to the store. The store is here. No technology needed.’ It’s all about the human touch, remember? The future is now!

Sam: Absolutely, Alex. And we’ll make sure the sign is big enough for everyone to see. No need for screens or buttons.

Robin: Brilliant. And we’ll make sure we bring in lots of groceries. People need those human interactions to get their daily necessities.

Panel 3

Alex, looking at Robin with a raised eyebrow, Robin, winking, Sam, shaking his head, smiling, Alex, looking thoughtful,

Alex: Robin, you’re not going to try to sell me anything, are you? That would be a bit rude, wouldn’t it?

Robin: Of course not, Alex. It’s all about the community and the connection. We’ll make sure the aisles are filled with the smells of fresh bread and the murmur of friendly conversations. No tech needed here.

Sam: Good luck with that. But hey, who knows? Maybe Ron Johnson will get inspired by our experiment and decide to bring some real people back into Apple stores.

Alex: That would be something, wouldn’t it? People actually talking to each other in a place where everything feels almost too perfect.