“Some images posted by Japanese Apple blog Macotakara… show an Apple Watch booth or mini-store at the upmarket Isetan department store in Shinjuku, Tokyo,” Luke Dormehl reports for Cult of Mac. “The sign reads ‘WATCH: Coming Soon.'”
“The mini store is listed on the mall directory, showing all branded stores, which suggests that this could be a permanent arrangement rather than just a temporary pop-up store,” Dormehl reports.
“Selling at the Shinjuku Isetan store is a smart move for Apple. As the company’s flagship store, it is considered to be among the most influential department stores in Japan — with the fashion floor particularly renowned for showing off new trends which go on to take the country by storm.”
Dormehl reports, “According to The Verge, other pop-up shops selling the Apple Watch are set to open at Selfridges in London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris…”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: You heard it here first:
How about “Apple Watch Stores” (either stores-within-stores or as separate entities, kiosks or otherwise grander) dedicated specifically to Apple Watch customers? Watch and see. – MacDailyNews, February 3, 2015
Say hello to dedicated Apple Watch Stores. – MacDailyNews, February 13, 2015
For those that don’t know. In Japan, department stores are pretty much the opposite of what department stores are in North America or UK.
They aren’t Sears, JC Penny or even Macy’s. They are high-end outlets of fashionable brands. Perhaps something closer to what Holt Renfrew is, but with more selection, higher quality, fully uniformed staff, and elevator attendants.
Perhaps, but not as funny as “Are You Being Served?”
I like this separate store concept.
The atmosphere and the products can be different. Computer + iPhone Store versus the Watch Store.
Watch customers are often going to be a different brand of customer than the majority of people
Finally, security. Watches locked up real tight.
Actually, I think the atmosphere has to be different.
1. new fashion means not a computer store.
2. security concerns may be different than for other iOS devices
3. new stores essentially means a new level. Like Volkswagen vs. BMW. Both renowned quality but separate except for the road.