Ever noticed that there are no changing tables in the bathrooms at Apple stores? Yeah, us neither. But one mother and Mac enthusiast was apparently so inconvenienced by this oversight, she decided to lodge a complaint. Of course, being a mother from New York, she didn't speak to a store manager, or fill out one of those card thingies, or send an e-mail to support@apple.com. No, she decided, she would go straight to the source. She would e-mail Steve Jobs directly. "Why aren't there diaper changing tables in the nyc soho store?" read the e-mail, which was posted on the Fort Greene Kids listserv and picked up by Felix Salmon at Portfolio.

i am terribly disappointed there are no changing stations. my son is 3 1/2 and hasn't worn diapers for awhile, so it doesn't particularly affect me any longer. but, i can't understand why a company that is so on the cutting edge and seems so understanding wouldn't install baby diaper changing tables? they really are quite simple and practical. there are many parents (male and female — could you install in both bathrooms??)

Apparently, this kind of bossy mommy behavior gets results, because she also posted a response (an alleged response) from the man himself.

From: Steve Jobs
Date: January 3, 2008 10:33:14 PM EST
To: [redacted]
Subject: Re: apple retail store - soho nyc - baby diaper changing table???

There doesn't seem to be a demand for it, and it usually is accompanied by rather pungent odors.

Steve

hi steve,

i have enjoyed watching apple grow and have fully participated in each of the technologies (with the exception of the iphone) and i love the apple retail stores.
however, i have one issue i would like to get an answer about.

why aren't there diaper changing tables in the nyc soho store? (i don't know about the other locations as i only visit this one in new york.) i am terribly disappointed there are no changing stations. my son is 3 1/2 and hasn't worn diapers for awhile, so it doesn't particularly affect me any longer. but, i can't understand why a company that is so on the cutting edge and seems so understanding wouldn't install baby diaper changing tables? they really are quite simple and practical. there are many parents (male and female - could you install in both bathrooms??) i see visiting the apple store with kids. i know myself i spent a few hours at the genius bar getting support and i spent a few hours browsing the store and purchasing items. it's a challenge to find a bathroom in nyc and it's great you made such nice ones for the grown folks, but how about installing a few pull down tables to change those little future customers?
when the store redid the bathrooms a few years ago, i thought maybe there would be one when i opened the door? alas - there is not.

no one in the store has been able to answer my question.

can you?

:-)

thank you.

And the reply:

From: Steve Jobs
Date: January 3, 2008 10:33:14 PM EST
To: [redacted]
Subject: Re: apple retail store - soho nyc - baby diaper changing table???

There doesn't seem to be a demand for it, and it usually is accompanied by rather pungent odors.

Steve

Steve Jobs on Pungent Odors [Market Movers/Portfolio]