Faced with the growing decline of brick-and-mortar shopping, Apple is leveraging its large network of stores and trying to create a place for people to learn new skills and gather. The new initiative is being branded as “Today at Apple” and is now available at all 495 Apple stores worldwide, 271 of which are in the U.S.
The program’s class sign up sheet went live on Apple’s site on Tuesday. Free classes include how to start a music project, edit photos on the iPhone, draw and paint on an iPad and even how to get started with coding. The classes range from one hour to one-and-a-half hours in length and will mostly be taught by new Creative Pros, which Apple calls “the liberal arts equivalent to Apple’s technical Geniuses.”
“We’re creating a modern-day town square, where everyone is welcome in a space where the best of Apple comes together to connect with one another, discover a new passion, or take their skill to the next level,” Apple’s senior vice president of retail Angela Ahrendts said in the announcement. “We think it will be a fun and enlightening experience for everyone who joins.”