Wal-Mart Preparing to Offer iPad [Updated x2]
Back in May, Wal-Mart announced that it was expecting to begin offering the iPad for sale in its U.S. retail stores "later this year", and with the holiday shopping season rapidly approaching and rival Target launching the device in over 1700 stores around the United States just this past weekend, speculation has centered around when Wal-Mart might follow suit.
In a potential answer to that speculation, we've received word that Wal-Mart sent an email to its store managers today outlining the iPad models and related accessories that should be making their way to store shelves in the near future. According to this partial photo of the alleged email sent to us, Wal-Mart plans to offer all six models of the iPad, with initial stock of just five units per model for this location. In addition, a number of standard accessories, as well as AppleCare, will be also be offered.
Wal-Mart currently offers over 2,800 "Supercenter" stores around the U.S. along with an additional 750 somewhat-smaller discount stores, presenting a significant opportunity for Apple to expand the iPad's distribution network should the device be carried in all of the chain's stores.
Update: We've received another photo of a portion of the notice, which reveals that Wal-Mart will be rolling out iPad availability beginning next week to 1,000 stores by the end of October, with more stores being added in early November. We've been told that Wal-Mart's plans call for a total of 800 stores to be added in November.
Store displays will include a live demo unit inside a case that will include a looping video presentation of the device's features.
Update 2: And we've now received a photo of the iPad already on the shelves at a Wal-Mart in Denver, Colorado:
In a potential answer to that speculation, we've received word that Wal-Mart sent an email to its store managers today outlining the iPad models and related accessories that should be making their way to store shelves in the near future. According to this partial photo of the alleged email sent to us, Wal-Mart plans to offer all six models of the iPad, with initial stock of just five units per model for this location. In addition, a number of standard accessories, as well as AppleCare, will be also be offered.
Wal-Mart currently offers over 2,800 "Supercenter" stores around the U.S. along with an additional 750 somewhat-smaller discount stores, presenting a significant opportunity for Apple to expand the iPad's distribution network should the device be carried in all of the chain's stores.
Update: We've received another photo of a portion of the notice, which reveals that Wal-Mart will be rolling out iPad availability beginning next week to 1,000 stores by the end of October, with more stores being added in early November. We've been told that Wal-Mart's plans call for a total of 800 stores to be added in November.
Store displays will include a live demo unit inside a case that will include a looping video presentation of the device's features.
Update 2: And we've now received a photo of the iPad already on the shelves at a Wal-Mart in Denver, Colorado:
Top Rated Comments
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18 months ago
"...with initial stock of just five units per model for this location."
It's not unusual for Walmart to keep low initial stock of a high value item. "One to show and two to go" is how stocking usually goes on cameras and other electronic devices, mostly for security reasons.
It's not unusual for Walmart to keep low initial stock of a high value item. "One to show and two to go" is how stocking usually goes on cameras and other electronic devices, mostly for security reasons.
18 months ago
Over 6 months since the iPad launch, and I still can't find a camera connection kit anywhere. Best Buy never has them, neither does the Apple Store when I'm home in KC. With there being 5 Walmarts (!) here in this podunk town that I attend college, I'm hoping that I can at least snatch up one kit. I guess I could always order it online, but meh. I don't need it THAT bad, but it would be convenient and I always check when I'm at a store.
18 months ago
Over 6 months since the iPad launch, and I still can't find a camera connection kit anywhere. Best Buy never has them, neither does the Apple Store when I'm home in KC. With there being 5 Walmarts (!) here in this podunk town that I attend college, I'm hoping that I can at least snatch up one kit. I guess I could always order it online, but meh. I don't need it THAT bad, but it would be convenient and I always check when I'm at a store.
Order online?
18 months ago
Apple is really making the most of their first mover advantage.
I am actually getting sick of seeing iPad commercials. Apple will own mindshare completely by the time a credible competitor shows up.
I am actually getting sick of seeing iPad commercials. Apple will own mindshare completely by the time a credible competitor shows up.
18 months ago
I'm in management with Walmart and I can confirm this is accurate info. The communication just came down today. We will initially only have the iPads in 1000 stores.
Edit: I see now they have updated the post with info about the initial distribution to 1000 stores.
Edit: I see now they have updated the post with info about the initial distribution to 1000 stores.
18 months ago
Apple is really making the most of their first mover advantage.
I am actually getting sick of seeing iPad commercials. Apple will own mindshare completely by the time a credible competitor shows up.
Dude.
You should see this:
http://goo.gl/2cI3
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