The first official Apple Store in Alaska opened in Downtown Anchorage Saturday morning, and hundreds of the iPhone, iPad and Macintosh computer maker's eager fans were waiting outside its door at the 5th Avenue Mall.
"We showed up at 4:45 a.m," the first person in line, Benjamin Kerosky, told Channel 2 before the store opened at 10 a.m.
The first 1,000 people through the doors received a commemorative T-shirt -- and while that proved to be a draw for some people, most said they were more interested in snagging a new product or some help with an old one.
"I want to make friends with these guys so they can explain how the heck to work the thing," said Gaylor Herman, who recently purchased a Mac.
The store has 80 employees, many of whom are Alaskans, according to Apple Market Leader Denea Panis.
"Just having a presence in Alaska is important," said Nicole Carlson, one of the first people in line.
Earlier this week Apple passed oil giant ExxonMobil as America's most valuable company.
Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.com
