Roger Fingas
As promised, the U.S. branch of Best Buy began selling the Apple Watch on Friday, offering a range of models through its website and some retail locations.
The electronics chain is carrying a more limited selection than that available directly from Apple. While all Sport models are on sale, the only stainless steel models available are those with a black or white sport band, or the Milanese loop. As was previously announced, no gold Edition units are being carried.
Watches ordered online today should be delivered early next week, and can also be selected for in-store pickup. Only 100 retail outlets are carrying the Watch, though Best Buy is working to expand that to over 300 within a few months.
A variety of accessories have also gone on sale, including Apple's sport and Milanese bands, and third-party gear such as cases, stands, and unofficial bands.
The Canadian branch of Best Buy is due to start carrying the product on August 14.
Best Buy is the first third-party retailer to carry the Apple Watch apart from a handful of luxury boutiques scattered around the world. Until June, even Apple didn't didn't sell the device from its outlets, instead limiting shopping to online orders.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
17 Comments
Gosh the picture in this article is simply dreadful, looks like a crap video game. Sort of art that'd put people off the product
Best Buy employee: "You don't want an Apple Watch. It's just overpriced junk for rich stupid people. Check this out: my Pebble. It can do all the things the Apple Watch can and it doesn't nag me to stop playing Xbox and chugging energy drinks and go work out. Best of all, I don't have to recharge it every night! We sell those too, over in aisle 6, next to the home wifi routers and vacuum cleaners."
Selling the watch in more places isn't a bad thing. In fact I think this would significantly help sales. Everything about the early sales experience is different from any other Apple product - which hasn't helped.
Can you pay for an Apple Watch with an Apple Watch (i.e. Apple Pay)? No? I didn't think so...
[quote name="John.B" url="/t/187540/apple-watch-goes-on-sale-at-best-buys-online-retail-stores#post_2757946"]Can you [I]pay[/I] for an Apple Watch [I]with[/I] an Apple Watch (i.e. Apple Pay)? No? I didn't think so... [/quote] 1) Yes, at an Apple Store. 2) I don' think it will be too long before Best Buy is also accepting NFC payments. edit: Later this year for in-store and right now for in-app. That means you [I]may[/I] be able to buy an Apple Watch with an iPhone 6 Series from the app or delivery or in-store pick up. [LIST] [*] https://corporate.bestbuy.com/apple-pay-now-accepted-in-best-buy-app-coming-to-stores-later-this-year/ [/LIST]