Do I need an appointment to buy a phone and transfer one phone to another? Also is my apple gift card valid in store

You can go on there to buy a phone, but I suggest an appointment to transfer one phone to another. Gift cards should work.

They are usually very busy. Always better to have an appointment but you can take your chance's.

You should be fine without an appointment. They have a good ratio of employees to customers and they are always available to help customers. Ive walked into the Apple Store many of times buying iphones...ipad..imac and accessories and never had long to wait for a very helpful employee. I even had a 45 minute one on one tutorial when i bought my iMac last year. And the apple gift cards should work instore..after all it is Apple. 🍎