Apple Inc (AAPL)

[fmikehugo]

07:43 AAPL Apple stores now open at 8 A.M. to handle iPhone 3G demand - AppleInsider (162.12 ) -Update-

AppleInsider reports All of Apple's US retail outlets are now in a permanent launch mode and will open as much as two hours earlier each day to accommodate the unprecedented demand for the new iPhone.

Also, at least some locations are now giving customers rainchecks for the day's iPhone 3G stock. The co's availability page now tells customers that stores that normally open at 10 A.M. will now open at the new time and are adding new employees to their ranks to process customers at a faster rate.

"To accommodate demand for iPhone 3G, all Apple Retail Stores will now open at 8:00 a.m. every day but Sunday," Apple says. "We're also adding staff to help you get up and running as quickly as possible."

While the change will do little to alleviate queues at the co's flagship stores -- many of which already open earlier -- the move gives Apple more time to clear queues for iPhone 3G at its locations that often continue to last for hours even two weeks after the official launch.