If the latest story published by infoAppleStore.com is to be believed, Apple under Tim Cook is shifting the focus of their amazing retail stores away from customer experience towards the bottom line. If this were to happen under a normal CEO with an operations background, it would be very credible.

But this is Tim Cook we're talking about. The same guy who worked with Steve for all those years. The same guy who always mentions the satisfaction of Apple customers in every interview or public statement. I don't believe it. But maybe it's because I don't want to. If true, it's a canary in the coal mine. The first tangible proof that Apple's success in the absence of Steve is fragile.

Regardless, the situation warrants a close eye.