Practically since its inception back on April 1, 1976, Apple has repeatedly captured the world's attention thanks in large part to its rebellious underdog attitude and continuous efforts to reset expectations of what's possible from consumer electronics.
In a move many electronics manufacturers questioned in the beginning, the company has also set a shining example of how great customer service and retail experiences can have a significant financial and brand impact on a tech company's bottom line. Opening its first store in 2003, which provided customers with a hip place to hang out, buy products and receive personal tech support from the "Genius Bar," Apple now has over 283 stores worldwide that generated over $1.97 billion in sales in the last quarter of 2009 alone.
