14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has reportedly begun retail store preparations just days ahead of the iPad’s debut, with ifoAppleStore informing that both the Mac maker and Best Buy are working to balance a limited supply of devices against long lines of eager customers.
The source dealing exclusively with news and information about Apple’s retail stores reports that, “Like nearly every previous Apple software and hardware introduction, overnight waiting lines are expected at the stores on April 3rd, composed of first-day tech buyers and Apple ‘gotta be there’ loyalists.”
The report reveals to those who are unaware of the places an iPad can be acquired that Apple’s tablet “will debut only at Apple’s U.S. stores and at Best Buy stores that have an Apple store-within-a-store or an ASC.” Two factors are cited as being the cause of this limitation, one of which is Apple’s decision to have informed, trained staffers sell the iPad. The second is the limited supply of iPads.
The same report further sheds light on the matter, acknowledging that only initial iPad pre-orders can be fulfilled on April 3rd. Beginning this weekend, any pre-order on the Wi-Fi-only iPad has been pushed to April 12th. According to several reports, the reason seems to be part suppliers’ inability to deliver on promise.
Citing insiders, ifo reveals that, “All in-store events have been cancelled for April 3rd,” while, “Staffing will be beefed up and arrangements made for dual waiting lines—one for walk-in purchases and another for reserved iPad purchases.” With sources claiming that those who have reserved an iPad for in-store pick-up will have only until 5:30 p.m. to grab the device, the stores may open before their regular Friday hours to start selling the tablet device, ifo adds, noting that walk-in buyers will not be neglected by Apple.
As far as Best Buy is concerned, the retailer reportedly has an extremely limited number of units for sale on April 3rd. Just five units of each of the three Wi-Fi configurations will be carried in Best Buy stores. According to TUAW, the giant retailer has reportedly told local managers that, “Customers will line up at your store prior to opening,” warning them to “build a distribution and redemption plan to eliminate customer disappoints.” Apple is expected to post a store-by-store “availability” Web page for the iPad by April 3rd, a final note in the ifoAppleStore report reveals.