Mike the Mad Biologist discovers first hand that that cool, cool minimalism of the new Apple store on Boylston street kinda sucks when it's raining:

... Then there's the elegantly designed minimalist interior which has no carpeting. That means that everyone's umbrella piddles on the floor and leaves puddles everywhere.

So the Apple Store devised a solution: at the door, you have to enclose your umbrella in a plastic bag to prevent umbrella piddling. Of course, this is described as "ensuring your safety." And it's environmentally friendly to boot. So now you're in the store, into which people are tracking dirt and mud--there's no rug to wipe your feet. Minimalist interiors with light gray floors don't look so good with mud (and umbrella piddle). ...

And all that's before you even get to the plastic staircase.