Apple's Grand Central Store Opens (PHOTOS)

Apple on Friday treated New Yorkers to the official opening of its Grand Central mega-store.

Occupying the roomy area behind the east and northeast balconies, overlooking the terminal's Main Concourse, the shop will employ 315 Apple sales experts and will offer ample display tables and three Genius Bars, as well as dedicated rooms where people can set up new devices and learn how to operate them, according to a press release from the company.
Apple paid the former occupant, Charlie Palmer's Metrazur restaurant, $5 million to vacate the space, reports the Wall Street Journal.

At 23,000 square feet, the Grand Central store is one of the largest in Apple's global chain. It is estimated that more than 750,000 people pass through the terminal per day; during the holidays, that number soars to over 1 million.

New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority will rake in over $1 million per year as a result of the Apple's lease on the terminal's balcony space, although some have pointed out that Apple may have signed on for a sweeter deal than other Grand Central tenants. Writes CBS New York, the MTA "collects 'percentage rent' from every retailer except Apple. That is because the retailer cut a deal with the MTA for a straight lease, totaling about $1 million a year." New York's Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions is currently investigating the 10-year agreement between Apple and the MTA, according to Pix 11.

The store is Apple's fifth location in Manhattan.

Take a look at the slideshow (below) to see photos from the new Grand Central Apple Store.