Apple, Inc. opened its first Apple Store in $2001$ and currently has hundreds of stores spanning several countries. Many of the Apple Stores are inside malls, but Apple also has several freestanding stores, which they call their flagship stores, with each looking a little different on the outside. These are located in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Montreal, Tokyo, and Osaka.

The store in New York City is a glass cube with a glass cylindrical elevator and spiral staircase that leads to an underground store. Inside, they have long tables displaying products ranging from the iMac, MacBook Air, iPods, printers, cameras, and other accessories. All these products are accessible to customers who can try them out and ask various questions of informed associates. The walls are mostly metallic, and the signs are all backlit.

All stores have a Genius Bar where customers can receive technical advice or set up service and repair for their products. To address the needs of the many iPod users, some stores, such as the New York store, have set up a separate iPod Bar where customers can get their own technical assistance. They also have an iMac station for kids who want to try out games and learning products and a theater for workshops, product training sessions, and special presentations.

Apple introduced the handheld Easy Pay system where customers don$$t have to wait in line to purchase products. With a simple click of a paperless, handheld credit card scanner, the employee brings the cash register to the customer. Items can be rung up anywhere on the show room floor. Apple plans to open several more stores in the years to come.

Apple also has its online store. At its Web site, a customer can order any Mac or iPod product, plus a large variety of accessories. In addition to its product offerings, a customer can watch a demonstration of how products work or check out the latest Mac ads or news.

Refer to Apple Stores. In terms of ownership, which of the following best describes Apple stores?

a$.$

Pop$-$up shops

b$.$

Chain stores

c$.$

Franchises

d$.$

Independent retailer

e$.$

Department stores