Mark Gurman says Apple is planning stand alone stores for Watch

[Rogifan]

On a 9to5Mac podcast Mark Gurman says he's heard that Apple's future plans are for stand alone stores for Watch. They could be smaller stores or store in a store concepts at places like Best Buy or traditional jewelers. If this turns out to be true I think it definitely means Watch is not a hobby.

Mark also says the gold watches will be locked and if someone wants to try one on they'll need an Apple employee to unlock a case and pull it out for them to try it on.

http://9to5mac.com/2015/02/11/happy-hour-podcast-001/

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I'd like to see more variety/models in the Edition collection before I consider it, but the SS model will do nicely as a Rev A.

 

[al256]

How do you sell a watch?

You put it in a glass case and let the customer try it on after inquiring about a specific model.

This model won't work well with Apple Stores. EVERYONE wants to hold one, put one on and mouth off his/her opinion to anyone in ear shot. What happens when you get a 'serious' customer interested in the Edition but can't make the sale? I, strongly want to believe there will be something for those people to take home. Maybe a high quality brochure/product guide. Maybe an exclusive app download code where the Edition can be demo'd.

Apple doesn't play with others. Anyone who sells their products has to move huge volumes or products and abide by their strict terms. Maybe... we'll see a kiosk outside of Apple stores for those interested in the touch/feel/question aspect of the Apple Watch.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

How do you sell a watch?

You put it in a glass case and let the customer try it on after inquiring about a specific model.

This model won't work well with Apple Stores. EVERYONE wants to hold one, put one on and mouth off his/her opinion to anyone in ear shot. What happens when you get a 'serious' customer interested in the Edition but can't make the sale? I, strongly want to believe there will be something for those people to take home. Maybe a high quality brochure/product guide. Maybe an exclusive app download code where the Edition can be demo'd.

Apple doesn't play with others. Anyone who sells their products has to move huge volumes or products and abide by their strict terms. Maybe... we'll see a kiosk outside of Apple stores for those interested in the touch/feel/question aspect of the Apple Watch.

You seem to have forgotten that only the Edition models will be locked up. Just the 5K or so price tag will drive away the vast majority of customers. Otherwise, it's the same form factor but heavier and in gold.