It has been 10 years since Apple opened its two retail stores on May 19, 2001. There are big expectations on how the world's most valuable brand will celebrate this coming weekend's bash, possibly introducing a new product or revamping the store displays including storefront design that showcases their iPad 2 and MacBook Airs. Planning for the event is top secret thus far, involving restricted electronic communication among staff, password encrypted data, and black curtains.

Sources have unveiled that Apple began holding staff meetings and training sessions in order to prepare for overnight shifts this coming weekend. Employees were prohibited from using cellphones in the main offices along with signing non-disclosure agreements in preparation for the big bash. Store managers were not allowed days off between Friday-Sunday May 20-22.

According sources from Boy Genius Report, black curtains are planned to cover storefronts in preparing retails stores.

Apple stores have apparently already received hardware to install, and are expecting more hardware to come on Friday or Saturday. All materials that Apple stores have received have been instructed to be under lock and key until after close on Saturday night, writes BGR.

Hardware units were shipped to stores for installation along with additional training sessions. Training may involve introducing staff to some new products and services in order to properly present them to customers on the anniversary date. Rumors have listed several possibilities such as hardware refreshes for the MacBook, Mac Pro, and iPods. Others include new versions of Mac OS and iOS that integrates streaming music services, which Apple has already signed deals with a couple major record labels.

Since their grand opening store in Mclean, VA and Glendale, CA, the company has opened over 320 stores worldwide. Anticipation is brewing as Apple customers await the unveiling starting May 19th.

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