9to5Mac Overtime 9to5Mac Overtime

9to5Mac Overtime 082: Origins of the Apple Store w/ special guest Ron Johnson

Sep 17, 2026 · 54m

Summary

Ron Johnson, the architect of Apple’s retail strategy, joins 9to5Mac Overtime to discuss his new book, *Shop Different*. He details the early days of Apple Stores, explaining how he convinced Steve Jobs to prioritize customer experience over pure sales to overcome technology fear. Johnson reflects on the launch of the iPhone and iPad, the strategic shift to "Easy Pay" checkout, and his subsequent failed tenure at JCPenney. He also offers insights on the enduring relevance of physical retail in the digital age and predicts the impact of the upcoming foldable iPhone.

Listen ad-free on Castria