Apple’s App Store was introduced alongside the iPhone 3G in 2008. Since then, it has exploded into a massive marketplace for some of the best game, entertainment and productivity apps available for smartphones. The App Store hit 50 billion downloads and 900,000 apps earlier this month. It has also become a place of great success for some developers who started off with a few dollars and a dream.

The Apple online store has updated its buying options for refurbished products by adding in a “Ship to Store” option. Now, customers will be able to pick up their refurbished products at an Apple retail location instead of waiting for it to arrive at their office or home.

The Apple Store has helped to revolutionize retail as we know it, crafting customer service and store design into an art. Let’s look at what Apple has included in their store that has revolutionized retail experiences, both in America and internationally.

Apple’s full-sized iPad has retained the same design since the iPad 2, for the most part, and the iPad mini is soon going to be running technology that is two years old. This may be why Apple reduced prices of the refurbished iPad and iPad mini. Are they clearing out remaining devices before they restock with the second generation iPad mini and the iPad 5?

Earlier today, Apple Online Stores went down to give way for an updated storefront now showing Apple’s Father’s Day iPad sale. It’s not really a big sale in terms of price reduction or anything, Apple just tied Father’s Day on June 16 with its drive to promote its two flagship products right now: the iPad with Retina Display and, of course, the iPad Mini.

Apple’s App Store has achieved yet another milestone, with users downloading over 50 billion apps in about five years. The App Store launched in mid-2008 alongside the company’s iPhone 3G. Since then, the App Store has sold thousands of different applications, and has changed a lot since its original design.

Apple has put the iPod touch 5th generation up for sale in the refurbished section in their online store. Those needing to upgrade to the latest iPod touch or looking to buy their first will find a variety of colors available starting at the low price of $249. The refurbished iPod touch is available in 32GB and 64GB models.

Starting this week, Apple is offering a sweet deal for those seeking to buy their next smartphone device; those who order a new iPhone 5 or iPhone 4 will be able to receive next-day shipping free of charge. The offer is available at the online Apple store to U.S. customers only.

Apple recently made a small but important, change to how screenshots are handled at the App Store to stop scammers. You used to be able to change the screenshots that show what your app looks like at any time. Duplicitous developers would submit their app with actual screenshots from their app, and then switch them with screenshots from other apps once they got onto the App Store.

If you were annoyed at having to spend $49 to get a Thunderbolt cable to go with your new Thunderbolt hard drive, monitor, or other peripheral you have a reason to celebrate. Apple reduced the cost of its original 2.0 meter or 6-1/2 foot Thunderbolt cable to $39 from the original $49 at the Apple Store. You can save even more if you get the 0.5 meter or 20-inch Thunderbolt cable for $29, also at the Apple Store.

For those who haven’t finished with their last-minute Christmas gift shopping, Apple is offering free next-day shipping for all Apple products purchased from their online store. Buy it today, get it tomorrow for everything currently in stock, including third-party accessories. Note, however, that iPad and iPod engraving are no longer available for next-day shipping.

Apple originally expected the new iMac 27″ would be widely available by the end of December, but it appears shipment has been pushed into January 2013. Whereas customers who pre-ordered the 27″ iMac on Nov 30th will receive their products within the original estimation of “3-4 weeks,” any customers currently shopping for the 27″ iMac will have to wait until next year.