“Apple and Best Buy have internally announced plans to scale Mac sales beyond their previously stated 600-store goal, but will soon face real estate-related obstacles that could challenge further expansion,” Kasper Jade reports for AppleInsider.
“Thus far, the duo has established catchy store-within-a-store boutiques at approximately 500 Best Buy retail stores, according to comments made during Best Buy’s recent quarterly conference call. That’s up from about 200 stores just twelve months ago, and close to the 600-store goal announced by Apple in January,” Jade reports.
“The elaborate kiosks showcase the better part of the Mac maker’s personal computer lineup and vary in design by store,” Jade reports. “However, the most recently layouts have featured mini theaters that are anchored by thick matte black walls with glowing Apple logos, embedded LCD screens and stereo sound systems. Mac systems are typically spaced graciously on trademark wooden tables, while accessories are hung on nearby racks.”
“People familiar with the ongoing program expansion say Best Buy and Apple are now striving to install Mac boutiques at all of Best Buy’s stateside locations. The next phase was announced privately last month when the retailer issued an internal memo outlining plans to enroll 40 more stores in the program by the end of July,” Jade reports. “Once complete, Apple and Best Buy will have surpassed their stated 600-store goal, scaling Macs sales to approximately two-thirds of US-based Best Buy stores.”
Jade reports, “Growing the program beyond the July phase is where things may get tricky, those familiar with the situation say.”
Much more, including images of Apple setups inside Best Buy stores, here.