Apple pushes holiday gift ideas to shoppers ahead of Black Friday
Apple on Wednesday redesigned its online store and sent out emails to customers spotlighting gift ideas, with just over a week to go before Black Friday kicks off the 2014 holiday shopping season.
With the tagline "From one gift come many," Apple this year is showcasing how its range of products can allow owners to accomplish a variety of unique tasks. Receiving the gift giving spotlight for 2014 is the new iPad Air 2, with Apple telling shoppers that the touchscreen tablet can be used to choreograph a recital, explore the North Pole, organize a food drive, and take an entire songbook caroling.
Next, the Mac gets featured for video editing, music composing, and photo viewing, while shooting photos and video with iPhone's camera is that product's focal point.
Apple has also chosen to spotlight its printable Photo Gifts, which allow users to create photo books, calendars and cards. All photo books are advertised to come with free standard shipping through December 12, and the last day to order with express shipping is December 17.
Finally, Apple's email also features the Apple TV set-top box, as well as Apple Store gift cards that can be used for any product the company offers.
At Apple's online store, the company has also chosen to showcase Beats by Dr. Dre products, including over-the-ear headphones, in-ear buds, and speakers. There's also a section devoted to toys and games, including drones, controllers, and more iOS-connected devices.
All in-stock items are available with free two-day shipping for orders placed before 5 p.m. Eastern. Users can also buy online and pick up available items at their local Apple Store in an hour.
Apple's promotional efforts come just over a week before the Black Friday shopping holiday, which occurs every year the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Stores offer a range of discounts and deals on Black Friday to officially kick off the holiday shopping season leading up to Christmas on Dec. 25.
AppleInsider learned earlier this month that many Apple Stores will open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday, which is earlier than normal operating hours, but also two hours later than last year's sale.
Apple's Black Friday promotions have historically not been as aggressive as other retailers. For example, last year the company offered hardware discounts to customers in European markets, but chose to bundle gift cards in the U.S. and Australia.
With the tagline "From one gift come many," Apple this year is showcasing how its range of products can allow owners to accomplish a variety of unique tasks. Receiving the gift giving spotlight for 2014 is the new iPad Air 2, with Apple telling shoppers that the touchscreen tablet can be used to choreograph a recital, explore the North Pole, organize a food drive, and take an entire songbook caroling.
Next, the Mac gets featured for video editing, music composing, and photo viewing, while shooting photos and video with iPhone's camera is that product's focal point.
Apple has also chosen to spotlight its printable Photo Gifts, which allow users to create photo books, calendars and cards. All photo books are advertised to come with free standard shipping through December 12, and the last day to order with express shipping is December 17.
Finally, Apple's email also features the Apple TV set-top box, as well as Apple Store gift cards that can be used for any product the company offers.
At Apple's online store, the company has also chosen to showcase Beats by Dr. Dre products, including over-the-ear headphones, in-ear buds, and speakers. There's also a section devoted to toys and games, including drones, controllers, and more iOS-connected devices.
All in-stock items are available with free two-day shipping for orders placed before 5 p.m. Eastern. Users can also buy online and pick up available items at their local Apple Store in an hour.
Apple's promotional efforts come just over a week before the Black Friday shopping holiday, which occurs every year the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Stores offer a range of discounts and deals on Black Friday to officially kick off the holiday shopping season leading up to Christmas on Dec. 25.
AppleInsider learned earlier this month that many Apple Stores will open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday, which is earlier than normal operating hours, but also two hours later than last year's sale.
Apple's Black Friday promotions have historically not been as aggressive as other retailers. For example, last year the company offered hardware discounts to customers in European markets, but chose to bundle gift cards in the U.S. and Australia.
Comments
I'm hoping they offer some sort of discount (however modest) on their notebooks. I am planning on getting my wife a 13" Macbook Air for Christmas to replace her plastic Toshiba pos. Free Applecare perhaps? Come on Apple make me a deal
I'm hoping they offer some sort of discount (however modest) on their notebooks. I am planning on getting my wife a 13" Macbook Air for Christmas to replace her plastic Toshiba pos. Free Applecare perhaps? Come on Apple make me a deal
Probably best to go with a third-party seller for free AppleCare. Apple may do discounts but I don't ever see them bundling AppleCare with a Mac.
I agree about the risk to life and limb ... But remember ... That's what on-line shopping is for
Jeez ... you just reminded me. I I have a collection of $50 Apple gift cards in a draw, from several years worth of Xmas presents from family members I have never gotten around to using ... I hope they don't expire that would really piss me off. So many gift cards do (which i think should be illegal but that's another discussion).
Jeez ... you just reminded me. I I have a collection of $50 Apple gift cards in a draw, from several years worth of Xmas presents from family members I have never gotten around to using ...
I wish I had that problem.
I was told by Apple they don't. At least the ones I received. Good luck.
Oh and btw- register them in Passbook. This way you'll never forget. They pop up whenever you approach an Apple Store. In my case I work across the street so I'm constantly reminded.
I'd be happy to take it off your hands and relieve you of the burden of it.
I'll get iPad mini 3 if it's below $300 or Mini 2 if it's ~$200. I'm afraid these will be discontinued in the near future. I guess I have to wait until Black Friday.
Honestly I'd rather spend Black Friday with family than risk bodily injury or even death all to save a few bucks on crap (sans Apple gear) that most won't give a shit about in a few months time.
These deals are valid from the online Apple Store (same as the Best Buy, Walmart, whatever deals), not just bricks-and-mortars stores. There is no risk of bodily injury unless you trip over your couch and slam your head on the coffee table.
I usually pick up a discounted iTunes gift card online on Black Friday. In previous years, 30% savings was typical, but this is no longer the case. The typical iTunes gift card discount is 15% (there might be some 20% deals), but it's still worth considering since it's basically free money.
These transactions typically take no more than 2 minutes online and often the redemption code is e-mailed to me within 15-20 minutes.
Only if you guarantee to use it on an iPhone 6plus or an Apple Watch purchase for yourself.
The devil or the deep blue sea?
You can keep it. ????
Purchased my Black Friday Apple product last week.
A brand new in the box 2012 Mac Mini I5, for about 17% off.
The power of the new base Mini, but easily upgraded.
First I'll add a 128G SSD, quite a bit faster than the 500GB HDD which will stay for low use data storage.