More than two years after Apple announced Apple’s new retail store in Brisbane, Australia in the MacArthur Chambers building, it is finally set to open on Friday, January 17. Problems with contractors and the historical site prevented construction from beginning until 2013. » New Apple Store in Brisbane, Australia Will Open January 17

Apple is set to open a new retail store in China this Friday. The store spans 500 square meters over two separate floors and will open at 10 a.m. on  January 10 at the China Central Mall in the Chaoyang District of Beijing. » New Beijing Apple Store at China Central Mall Will Open This Friday

Earlier we wrote that Apple will join the Japanese tradition during new year, where retailers will offer a “Fukubukuro” or “Mystery Bag” which can include a random assortment of products sold at a steep discount. Today Apple Stores across Japan have begun selling “Lucky Bags”, which sell for 36,000 yen “$345” and can include anything from iPods till MacBooks. » “Lucky Bags” Go On Sale At Japanese Apple Stores

The second-generation Nike+ FuelBand Se is now available for purchase in the Apple Online Store and will also be available from select retail locations. The second-generation FuelBand comes with more colour options and Bluetooth LE (4.0) for longer battery life. The device is available for $149.95 from Apple’s website in three sizes and four colours, yellow, pink, red and black. » The Nike+ FuelBand SE Now Available In Online Apple Store

Apple began taking orders for its redesigned thin-and-light iPad Air in the United States, Canada, Europe and several Asia Pacific countries. The current shipping times of the iPad Air is 24 hours. The iPad Air is available in space gray/black and white/silver and can be purchased from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model or $629 for the 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. » Apple Began Taking Online Order For iPad Air In The United States, Canada, Europe & Asia

9to5mac reports that Apple has begun selling a Space Gray version of the first-generation, non-Retina display iPad mini at its physical retail stores. However they also notice that it is not avalaible in every store yet, and advice you to call your local Appl Store before to ensure availability. » New Space Gray iPad Mini Available In Apple Stores

In a few hours Tim Cook will take the stage at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco. In anticipation of today’s media event, the online Apple Store went offline. iWork for iCloud has also been taken down. The website promises to be back in a few hours with an update for iWork for iCloud adding a bunch of new features. » Apple Store and iWork for iCloud Down In Anticipation Of Today’s Media Event