Apple 5th Avenue location: It's a store! No, it's a billboard!

Here's one to take up with the Outdoor Advertising Association: Apple has transformed one side of its designer 5th Avenue Store in New York into a giant translucent billboard advertising platform for the iPhone. Rumor has it that New York City's signage police may have required Apple to take it down, but even if that is true, the buzz created by it appears to have been worth whatever fine Apple may pay.

This flagship Apple location and transparent cube may yet create a whole new marketing opportunity for the company if it can resolve issues with New York City zoning. Imagine a simple colored light show on the inside of the cube on Apple special event nights. Or projected fireworks displays on the Fourth of July for those not willing to trek down to the Harbor to view them. Apple may yet get permission for its iPhone billboards, but even if it doesn't, it may just become more creative in promoting its brand if not its products.

Technorati Tags: Advertising, Apple, Fifth Avenue, New York City