All times in UTC ·
Dashed edge = started before, or continues beyond, this day
Events on Saturday 19 May 2001 1
2001Apple opens its first retail storesCompany enters bricks-and-mortar retailApple opened its first two retail stores, in Virginia and California, on 19 May 2001, a move many analysts predicted would fail. The stores emphasised hands-on product displays and a help counter later called the Genius Bar. The chain became among the most profitable retail operations by floor area.