# Ron Johnson on building Apple Stores with Steve Jobs

> The Apple Store pioneer shares how he defied retail predictions and created a new model for physical retail.
- Title: Ron Johnson on building Apple Stores with Steve Jobs
- Summary: The Apple Store pioneer shares how he defied retail predictions and created a new model for physical retail. Ron Johnson bet on physical stores when everyone…
- Keywords: ron johnson, apple stores, steve jobs, retail strategy, physical retail, apple, retail leadership, shop different, customer experience, business, technology, Ron
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/apple-store-ron-johnson-leadership-steve-jobs-2026-9
- Author: Ana Altchek
- Published: 2026-09-17T21:18:23.603+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ron johnson, apple stores, steve jobs, retail strategy, physical retail, apple, retail leadership, shop different, customer experience, business, technology
## The risky bet on physical stores
When Ron Johnson joined Apple in 2000, he was tasked with building physical stores. Everyone predicted online shopping would replace in-person retail, making it a huge gamble.
## Apple Stores became retail giants
Despite the skepticism, Johnson's strategy worked. Apple Stores grew into retail powerhouses that transformed how people shop for technology and experience brands.
## Working with Steve Jobs
Johnson shares insights into what it was like collaborating with Steve Jobs on the Apple Store vision and strategy during his time at the company.
## New book details the strategy
Johnson's new book, "Shop Different," details the strategy behind Apple Stores and offers a broad look at his entire retail career spanning multiple companies.
## Leadership lessons beyond retail
In a live Q&A, Johnson discusses retail strategies, leadership principles, and answers viewer questions about building successful customer-focused businesses.
## Key takeaway

Ron Johnson bet on physical stores when everyone predicted online shopping would kill retail, and built Apple Stores into giants by focusing on customer experience rather than transactions.