Sounds like Maxfields is a total fiasco. They stopped selling it yesterday an hour before they closed, turning away customers who had been in line since 9AM. But they still have inventory today and are selling again to customers lined up around the block. There are reports of "mobster" types cutting line and being allowed multiple re-entry to purchase additional watches, because they are familiar with the sales staff. These same guys are scalping right on the sidewalk offering $300 premiums over the purchase price of customers who just walked out with a new purchase. Reports of Maxfield employees treating the Apple customers waiting in line with disdain, in preference to their regular clientele.they handed out numbers yesterday, but told the Apple customers they were on heir own today. And all of this under the supervision of Apple representatives.
Looks like Apple got a very different launch experience this time -- is this really what they wanted?
I'd agree with these statements. What I want to know is if anyone has stepped out with a stainless link bracelet.
They said they had none.
I got the impression they have much more than they lead on but they don't want to cater to the apple crowds.
I feel they are holding back the best versions.
On one hand I'm not surprised that Maxfields would give special treatment to their long-term loyal customers - vs. potentially new customers who may buy a ?watch and not be seen again. On the other hand, it's short-sighted to not look at this unique opportunity to develop some new affluent customers who may usually shop at their competitor's store (who doesn't have the ?watch to offer). In any event, management did get to see the interest and value of the Apple brand as a high-end product. This phenomenon will not go unnoticed by the luxury market.
Eyebrows were raised to heights beyond where eyebrows have gone before.
People are still buying ?Watches at Maxfield on Sunday. One guy arrived at 9AM and walked out with a Sport at 2PM.
So they either have a ton of watches to manage 3 days straight of steady sales, or demand is not that high at the only store in North America that you can walk into and buy one. And LA has over 10 million people...
People are still buying ?Watches at Maxfield on Sunday. One guy arrived at 9AM and walked out with a Sport at 2PM.
So they either have a ton of watches to manage 3 days straight of steady sales, or demand is not that high at the only store in North America that you can walk into and buy one. And LA has over 10 million people...
I doubt people are going to drive all the way to that one store when they've been encouraged to buy online. Apparently there were only 6 stores worldwide stocking it:
Even high launch numbers don't suggest there would be visible signs of high demand. If you were to assume 20 million units for the year and half in the US, that's 833k per month and per state roughly 16,666 units and per day just 555 units. Out of 555 units, how many would drive to that one store vs buy online?
It's not going to be iPhone levels of demand, which is 10x higher and a product that people need to have. This is an accessory product that needs to be bought outright vs monthly and which people aren't sure will be worthwhile. Macs sell around 20 million units and they don't have people queuing up for new products either.
Despite not being iPhone levels of demand, 20 million units at $450 ASP would be $9 billion revenue. Tesla made just over $3b revenue last year.
Comments
On one hand I'm not surprised that Maxfields would give special treatment to their long-term loyal customers - vs. potentially new customers who may buy a ?watch and not be seen again. On the other hand, it's short-sighted to not look at this unique opportunity to develop some new affluent customers who may usually shop at their competitor's store (who doesn't have the ?watch to offer). In any event, management did get to see the interest and value of the Apple brand as a high-end product. This phenomenon will not go unnoticed by the luxury market.
Eyebrows were raised to heights beyond where eyebrows have gone before.
So they either have a ton of watches to manage 3 days straight of steady sales, or demand is not that high at the only store in North America that you can walk into and buy one. And LA has over 10 million people...
I doubt people are going to drive all the way to that one store when they've been encouraged to buy online. Apparently there were only 6 stores worldwide stocking it:
http://www.techradar.com/news/wearables/apple-watch-launch-line-april-24-1292098
Even high launch numbers don't suggest there would be visible signs of high demand. If you were to assume 20 million units for the year and half in the US, that's 833k per month and per state roughly 16,666 units and per day just 555 units. Out of 555 units, how many would drive to that one store vs buy online?
It's not going to be iPhone levels of demand, which is 10x higher and a product that people need to have. This is an accessory product that needs to be bought outright vs monthly and which people aren't sure will be worthwhile. Macs sell around 20 million units and they don't have people queuing up for new products either.
Despite not being iPhone levels of demand, 20 million units at $450 ASP would be $9 billion revenue. Tesla made just over $3b revenue last year.