“A gusty wind of change is coming to the Apple retail stores, generated by the April debut of the Apple Watch, but pushed along by too-small stores, over-crowded Genius Bars, and the introduction of an entirely new way to display, demonstrate and sell products. And like all big winds, forecasters are split on whether the stores, customers and employees will survive the tornado without being blown away,” Gary Allen reports for Forbes. “In fact, the changes are so fundamental, insiders say the stores will undergo physical changes beyond new glass-topped tables to display the Apple Watch, including more sit-down space.”
“The Apple Watch will rely on a completely different sales model. As an item of fashion instead of technology, buying an Apple Watch will be less demonstration, and more consideration,” Allen reports. “There will be fewer minutes spent running software and more time spent contemplating the various colors, sizes and band options, and how they appear on the wrist. Does it match my clothing, my other jewelry, and does it match me?”
“Ultimately it will all be about time and space at the Apple store. Are you willing to wade into a crowded, mall-based Apple store, wait around a display table while someone else looks at their wrist for 10 minutes, just to potentially buy a watch?” Allen reports. “But Apple wants you to arrive and leave completely happy. So they must be thinking about the complete—and perfect—visitor experience… So, will the fashion-oriented Apple Watch customers push out the techies? I’m an optimist, but I recognize there are pitfalls ahead for Apple’s retail chain as the Apple Watch rolls out. And it may require some patience on the part of every Apple store visitor who arrives for either the Apple Watch or some other tech product.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: 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.