As large signs were hung this past weekend in the windows of the vacant retail space left by the now online-only Sailor Jerry announced the coming of a Springboard Media store at 116-118 S. 13th Street, I began to wonder if the Philadelphia based Apple specialists were planing a move. One quick call to Springboard Media’s Rittenhouse location (2212 Walnut Street) revealed however, that the chain is not looking to relocate, but instead is looking to open its third retail location by this summer (its 2nd in Center City none the less, plus another in Exton, PA).

I wonder what this means in year that saw Philadelphia’s first Apple store open at 1607 Walnut street. Are Philadelphians staying loyal enough to Springboard Media, thus allowing them to open another shop just 10 blocks away from their flagship store? Or maybe the Apple store has simply increased the Apple brand in the city enough to create more space for competitors? Or perhaps this is more of a proactive business strategy to literally surround the Apple store with Springboard Media locations? You’re guess is as good as mine, as the manager played coy when I asked the reasoning behind a third location. Either way, as of right now, the 13th and Sansom Springboard Media store is planning to open up by July. —-Conrad Benner