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Thousands Flock to New Grand Central Apple Store

By Tuan Nguyen | December 9, 2011 1:37pm | Updated on December 9, 2011 3:16pm

MIDTOWN — For the thousands packed into Grand Central Terminal Friday, the unveiling of Apple's newest outpost was a lot more than just the opening of a store.

"It's a beautiful, beautiful store," said Jacob Davis, 19, who traveled from Albany and lined up outside the shop's locked doors for more than 24 hours before being the first customer inside.

"It's undeniably amazing. It keeps all the same lines of the Grand Central station, but it has Apple flair."

The shop spans 23,000 square feet on the station's east balcony and customers overlook the main concourse.

The store's construction kept Apple fans fascinated for months as the space was covered in black canvas and an electric sign telling them it was coming soon.

Grand Central Apple Store
Grand Central Apple Store
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DNAinfo/Tuan Nguyen

Hopes that it would open on Black Friday were dashed last month, but the excitement was still enough to have hundreds standing in line Friday — and many more jamming the station's concourse hoping to catch a glimpse.

"I think it's great," said Bijal Seth, 43. "It's exciting to have a store like Apple in Grand Central."

But others were less impressed.

"Oh, a store," said one commuter as she rushed passed. "It's just a store."