What can small businesses learn about  marketing and sales strategy from Apple Stores?

Apple effectively uses behavioral economics in their marketing strategy.  One example involves price decoys.  Here's how it works.  Essentially, Apple prices a product as a reference point which consumers will use to evaluate the relative price of other products.  They don't really expect many consumers to buy the decoy product, but rather use it as a reference to make another product look better and reasonably priced.

When it comes to Apple Stores specifically, the biggest differentiator, in my mind, is that Apple creates a space that people want to be in. Apple Stores are in nice neighbourhoods. They are in nice buildings and nicely decorated/constructed from high quality materials (high ceilings, well-lit, etc.). They offer plenty of empty space (as opposed to rows of overflowing shelves). They allow people to play with their devices indefinitely and without supervision. They have free Internet and an excess of staff. There is complete freedom to browse through the products without interruption. There are no sales or brightly coloured stickers. The focus is on the product. Basically, when you go into an Apple Store no one is trying to sell you anything, and the space itself is not configured for the offering of the largest amount of options at the lowest possible cost. You do not feel that the company is trying to nickel-and-dime you.

Apple has relied heavily on their customer following which is genius.  They have gained such a strong and faithful following that their customers have become part of their marketing team. Also, in all of their commercials they tap into your emotions, which will help any marketing and sales strategy.

Don't copy Apple unless your product occupies the same market niche as Apple's.  If you aren't the most desired choice in your category, occupying the top price range, then don't act as if you are.  You might have to be a whole lot more persuasive than they are.  Apple can take a very low-key sales approach because people already want to buy the product.  Their stores are full because people want to buy the product.  Are people lined up to buy your product?  If not, figure out how to make the product desirable first, get users excited second.  That may take more effort than you think. Apple has been around for a lot of years.  They have enormous resources.  They get huge amounts of free press for every move they make.  None of these things are likely to be true for small business.  You might do better to look at how an unknown entrant moved from nowhere to market dominance in a short period of time.  And keep your eyes open for the part of that story which is just plain good luck - it's the most underrated factor in all business success stories.

Small businesses should take note of Apples product display and minimalist approach.  Be aware however that while Apple Stores are very successful, copying them may not be the best strategy for drawing customers.