Boris K.
Yelp
Subject: Deeply Disappointing Experience at Downtown Brooklyn Apple Store
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction following my visit to the Downtown Brooklyn Apple Store, where I went to purchase a new iPhone 16 Pro. Although I had the option to buy the same phone from a local retailer or have it delivered to my workplace, I specifically chose to visit this flagship location, expecting a high standard of customer service, professionalism, and technical knowledge. Unfortunately, the experience was the exact opposite -- unprofessional, frustrating, and, frankly, humiliating.
Upon arrival, I was promptly assigned to a sales associate. While she began processing my order, she was simultaneously attempting to assist at least five other people. Throughout the interaction, I felt completely ignored. She didn't give me a chance to ask any questions about setting up or using my new phone, and it appeared that none of the other individuals she was trying to help were making any purchases. Once she completed the initial setup, I attempted to ask a question -- but she simply walked away without a word and never returned.
At that point, I realized my Apple Watch was not syncing with my new phone. I asked another nearby representative for help, but she barely looked at me and responded rudely that I needed to erase my Apple Watch. When I asked how to do that and requested assistance, she told me I wasn't her customer and continued to look away, offering no help whatsoever.
After erasing my watch as instructed and failing to sync it successfully, I sought help from another representative. The response was similarly dismissive -- I was told the store's Wi-Fi was too slow and that I should go home to complete the setup. This person also walked away mid-conversation.
As a healthcare provider, it is crucial for my phone and watch to function properly -- especially since I rely heavily on WhatsApp messaging for urgent communication. Despite explaining this, I was continually brushed off.
Desperate for help, I approached a third representative, who once again walked away while giving verbal instructions over her shoulder. I was left trailing behind her with my iPhone in one hand and my watch in the other, trying to follow unclear directions. Ultimately, my watch stopped responding entirely and became unusable.
Eventually, I found a supervisor who attempted to help but did not inspire much confidence. For over an hour, I stood watching repeated failed attempts to sync my devices, being told a variety of excuses: that long loading times were normal, that the store's Wi-Fi was slow, and even that my watch wasn't updated (which is untrue -- my watch was set to auto-update).
After two hours in the store -- from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. -- I left with a bricked Apple Watch, a sense of complete frustration, and a deep disappointment in what should have been a positive experience.
This visit was, in a word, unacceptable. I have visited other Apple Stores and always had respectful, knowledgeable service. The Downtown Brooklyn location was the complete opposite -- chaotic, dismissive, and severely lacking in customer care and technical support. I am confident I'm not alone in experiencing this, and I strongly urge Apple to seriously re-evaluate the leadership and staff training at this location.
This store is not living up to the standards that have made Apple a trusted brand.