Apple is training retail employees in Australia, France, United Kingdom and other countries for the international launch of Personal Pickup, a service that enables customers to place an order on the Apple Online Store or Apple Store app and pick it up at any Apple Retail Store within an hour, according to sources.
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Apple is planning to roll out Personal Pickup internationally as early as November, possibly alongside the launch of the iPad Pro, but could push back the plans until later this year or beyond, according to sources. Apple did not immediately respond when reached for comment.
Personal Pickup, which launched exclusively in the U.S. in 2011, is available for a wide range of products including Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs and the Apple Watch. Apple notifies customers via email or text message when their order is available for in-store pickup, at which point they can pick it up with a valid photo ID.
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The global expansion of Personal Pickup is likely another move orchestrated by Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts, as she continues to bridge the gap between Apple's online and retail store shopping experiences. Apple has opened over 460 retail stores in 18 countries since May 2001, with nearly 200 located outside the U.S.
Top Rated Comments
-Ordered the controller on my iPhone using the Apple Store app while at work, TouchID for ApplePay
-Walked approx. 5 feet into the front of the store where a store representative was standing
-Store rep greeted me and asked if I needed any assistance
-Informed the rep I was there to pickup an online order
-Rep directed me to another rep 4 feet to my left (no line)
-Rep #2 asked if I had the email with me which indicated my item was ready for pickup
-Brought up the email on my iPhone, zoomed in on the Qcode in the email
-Rep #2 scanned the Qcode, verified the details and submitted the request to rep #3
-Rep #3 came from the stock room with the item to rep #2, took approx. 3 minutes (store was busy)
-Rep #2 bagged the item, had me sign for it, and asked if I wanted an email receipt
-Walked out of the store with my item
Can't stand having to scan the shop for a free salesman. Just give me a till and let me queue. No thinking required.