Apple Computer is looking at spots in the Scottsdale Fashion Square, which is at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback roads, and Chandler Fashion Center, which is under construction and has a projected opening date of October. Both malls are owned by Phoenix-based Westcor.

Industry analysts expect Apple to open stores in major metropolitan areas across the nation in time for holiday shopping to justify the move. The stores might hold little inventory and just serve as demonstration and ordering centers, say analysts. On the other hand, he stores could mimic retail outlets established by Gateway Computer, which have been a critical success for the computer assembler.

Developers and retail professional around the country report that Apple is looking at potential locations for retail stores in their cities. The company declined to confirm that it is planning a chain of stores.

Apple computers are sold through such retailers as CompUSA and Circuit City and more than 4,000 computer resellers. In the past, Apple has complained that its computers aren't marketed as readily as PCs running with the Microsoft operating system.

Like all personal computer makers, Apple is mired in the sales slump. Apple's sales dropped to $1 billion for the most recent quarter reported, a slip from the $2.8 billion posted a year earlier.