APPLE STORES across the world closed their doors temporarily today for a memorial service to the company’s iconic founder Steve Jobs.

The company’s retail outlets in dozens of cities hung white sheets across their windows so staff could watch the event – which was broadcast live to all employees, Reuters reports.

The closures, which began at 5pm Irish time, came as staff at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California gathered for the event. Jobs died on October 5 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Employees leaving the service – who wouldn’t give their names – said singer Norah Jones and the British rock band Coldplay performed live. At the end of the service, employees said Coldplay frontman Chris Martin told everyone to get back to work because that’s what Steve Jobs would have wanted.

The mood at the service was festive, not sombre, employees said.

Meanwhile, the company has updated its website to feature what appears to be a live stream of tributes to Jobs from social media users worldwide.

Slideshow: Apple stores close their doors