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Ron Johnson Launching Gadget Delivery Service, Poaching Apple Employees

ronjohnsonApple's former retail chief Ron Johnson is planning to launch a "high-end, on-demand delivery service for gadgets, reports The Information's Jessica Lessin. The startup has reportedly been described as "Best Buy's Geek Squad meets Apple's Genius Bar."

MacRumors has heard similar rumors about Johnson's startup plans, with a source suggesting he's been attempting to recruit former and current Apple employees, including Jerry McDougal, who once served as Apple's vice president of retail under Johnson.

Before leaving Apple, Johnson worked at the company for more than 10 years. He's largely credited with transforming the Apple retail experience and setting the company on a path towards rapid retail growth. In 2011, Johnson left the company to take over as CEO of J.C. Penney, a position that he held for just two years.

Following Johnson's departure, Apple's retail division was left in flux, with no successor named. John Browett, formerly CEO of Dixons Retail, took over as head of retail at Apple in 2012, but he was ousted later that same year. Apple remained without a retail chief until the hiring of Angela Ahrendts, former Burberry CEO, who officially joined the company in May 2014.

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Top Rated Comments

verniesgarden Avatar
153 months ago
well considering his last venture in retail was a disaster (JC Penney). He almost put a 100+ year old retail company out of business by being completely out of touch.

I don't see this going past idea stage.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
153 months ago
What the hell is an on-demand delivery service for gadgets?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Orlandoech Avatar
153 months ago
I wish Ron was still at Apple....

What for?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacsRgr8 Avatar
153 months ago
I wish Ron was still at Apple....
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
153 months ago
Will they be hiring Chuck?

MacRumors content image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mad Mac Maniac Avatar
153 months ago
RON!!! How could you do this to us?! Your poop mouth! Look what you're doing to Brick!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)