In an odd way, given what the pundit knew and all things being equal from the opening of the fist store, they probably would have closed down in two years.

BUT, Apple debuted the iPod that october and put it in its retail stores so customers could get a hands on for the device. I always believed (after watching my friends buy iPods, followed by Mac purchases a year or so later) that the iPod was a huge growth driver for the Mac, by making it easy for consumers to get acquainted with the Apple brand.