14 DAY TRIAL // Without a doubt, Apple has got to be one of the few companies that really know how to sell their products. As it has probably realized that there is a number of iPhones it must “get rid of” by the end of the year, Apple seems to be really keen on accomplishing precisely this task. Of course, all this holds true if the rumors we are now hearing are accurate, as word has it that Wal-Mart is going to distribute the iPhone just like, for example, AT&T does.
JRPG Research analyst Jamie Townsend, wrote this regarding this rumor: "We expect purchase of an iPhone will still require a two year contract with AT&T and is likely to be priced the same or less than at AT&T or Apple stores.”
This comes as a bit of a shock, mainly because most did not even see this coming, despite the fact that, if think about it, Wal-Mart is selling other Apple devices as well, such as the iPod or Apple TVs. So, while this should not surprise us, we might also start considering that, even though such a move might feel strange for some at the beginning, it will probably turn out to be a great and profitable campaign for the iPhone. The reason for this would be because many people that do not, or cannot frequent Apple stores might be more tempted to purchase this mobile simply because the opportunity would now be right at hand.
As already mentioned, this is all based on rumors and speculations, but we should really keep our eyes peeled for such a development, for there are certain clues pointing to a materialization of these facts. Among such clues would be a “memo” from Wal-Mart to its employees picked up by BGR on Tuesday.
"We are pleased to announce that Wal-Mart has reached agreement with Apple to offer iPhone 3G in Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart-managed Sam’s Club Connection Centers nationwide beginning December 28, 2008," the paper reads. "AT&T will support Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club with the activation process for iPhone 3G, and we need all National Retail employees engaged to ensure a successful launch."
After reading this, the only thing we can do is to wait and see whether by December 28 the iPhone becomes available in Wal-Mart or Sam's Club.