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Best Buy may not carry the Apple Watch when the wrist-worn device launches in April, according to Reuters. The report, citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter, corroborates speculation that Apple might control the Apple Watch sales experience, at least initially, by limiting the product to Apple Stores.
Apple has been training its retail employees to deliver a more personalized shopping experience, as many customers will want to try on the various watch editions, faces and bands to determine which is best for them. Given that, it would make sense that Best Buy, and possibly other authorized resellers such as Walmart, Target and Sam's Club, might not immediately sell the Apple Watch.
While large fashion retailers such as Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States confirmed no immediate plans to carry the Apple Watch, multiple high-end department stores in Europe will be showcasing the smartwatch when it launches. Last month, for example, sources told us that Apple is planning an Apple Watch pop-up shop at Selfridges in London near the iconic 19,000-square-foot Wonder Room. French department store Galeries Lafayette is also setting up an Apple Watch display in Paris.
"Other large retailers, including Macy's, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales and Barney's said they had no immediate plans to carry the watch. Target and Nordstrom,along with all the major phone carriers, declined to comment on their plans, though a source with knowledge of the situation said Nordstrom has engaged in discussions with Apple."
Apple is expected to provide further details about the Apple Watch during today's "Spring Forward" media event. The keynote begins at 10 AM Pacific with a live video stream available on Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. MacRumors will also have full coverage of the event, with a live blog on our front page, news coverage and updates going out on our @MacRumorsLive Twitter account. Also follow and participate in the conversation in our discussion forums.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Sounds like they are going full on hype mode. Restrict supply. Create the image of high demand. This whole thing has stink all over it. :rolleyes:
Right... And if/when Apple sells a car I bet they won't sell that in Best Buy either. It couldn't be that different products are better suited to different retail settings. It's just to fake high demand and because of the "stink" right?
... However, given the Apple Watch is more personal, allowing customers to try it on, and try on different band styles will be needed in most cases. I know, I will want to try one before I buy one.
It's a very different buying experience and hats off to Apple for recognizing this and not just stuffing the channel with product until their channel is properly trained.
It's a smartwatch. People in BB, Walmart, and other retailers have been selling them for years. There is no different buying experience. Find one you like, try it on, and buy it. Just like every other product.
I would imagine small items & this level of value would be attractive to thieves... or even tempt minimum wage employees to become such.
Those stores have carried small items of higher value for years. A watch is not going to make employees lose their minds. If they attept to steal a watch, chances are they were already stealing other stuff. Minus the edition watch, the majority of the line is most likely under $700.
Right... And if/when Apple sells a car I bet they won't sell that in Best Buy either. It couldn't be that different products are better suited to different retail settings. It's just to fake high demand and because of the "stink" right?
It's a smartwatch. It doesn't need a special retail setting. Apple is smart marketing their watch this way. It makes it seem as if it's special; something to be desired. At the end of the day it's still just a watch.
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Use the Apple Store as your Amazon showroom?
I've done that plenty. Like the store, but never bought anything in it. 99% of the time, better pricing can be had elsewhere.