A fascinating article on CNN Money last week points out that while Best Buy averages $930 a square foot per year revenue, and Tiffany & Co make $2666, Apple stores rake in a massive $4032, making them one of the US's top retailers. Steve Jobs, ever the showman, made the provocative statement that "Our stores were conceived and built for this moment in time - to roll out iPhone."

Seeing the new ad plastered all over the flagship Apple store in Manhattan today, I'm beginning to think that's more than just bravado.