Despite reports that Apple Watch sales have been lukewarm, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphatically dismissed such claims during the company’s earnings conference call last week. Not only have Apple Watch sales exceeded Apple’s internal projections, but early sales of the device have already surpassed early iPhone and iPod sales.
“And we were able to do that with having only 680 points of sale,” Cook further explained.
Well, Apple Watch availability is about to change in a major way.
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Best Buy on Sunday announced that it will soon begin carrying the Apple Watch at over 300 brick and mortar stores across the country, with 100 some odd stores set to receive the device as early as August 7. Additionally, Best Buy will also begin selling the device online.
Best Buy’s press release reads in part:
Starting Aug. 7, Best Buy will be the first national retailer, other than Apple Stores, where customers can buy the Apple Watch. It will begin to arrive in more than 100 Best Buy stores and will also be available on BestBuy.com. Another 200 of our stores will have the Apple Watch in time for holiday shopping.
“The Apple Watch is a big addition to our stores and website, and we know our customers want it,” said Jason Bonfig, senior category officer at Best Buy. “We are excited to bring the Apple Watch to more consumers, especially with the holidays coming up.”
Our customers will be able to see, try and buy 16 Apple Watch models – including Sport and Watch models in both 38mm and 42mm sizes – and nearly 50 accessories, including watch bands, screen shields, stands, chargers and more.
Notably, only the Apple Watch Sport and Watch models will be available at Best Buy. Not too surprisingly, the pricier Apple Watch Edition models will remain exclusive to select Apple retail store locations.
The significance of Best Buy’s announcement cannot be overstated. In one fell swoop, Apple is nearly doubling the number of stores where the Apple Watch will be available for purchase. In turn, Apple will also be able to show off and advertise the device to curious consumers who might not ordinarily wander into an Apple retail store. And given Best Buy’s impressive foot traffic, it stands to reason that Apple Watch sales will only continue to climb in the coming months.
