SAN FRANCISCO — “Hey, did you see what’s going on at Apple?”

That’s the sort of thing Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts wants people to say to their friends about the company’s massive new flagship store opening this weekend in downtown San Francisco.

And the answer will presumably be something more than, “Yeah, see you down at ‘Genius Grove.’” To that end, the store is outfitted with a slew of new programs and spaces aimed at drawing people in for reasons other than just shopping.

There is a park-like outdoor area where weekend acoustic performances will be held; an indoor event space for guest lectures and classes; a creativity-focused version of the Genius bar that offers advice to aspiring photographers and music makers; and a "Boardroom,“ where Apple envisions startup employees flocking to learn more about Apple’s enterprise offerings. Read more…