Apple in talks with fashion retailer Nordstrom about carrying Apple Watch
Apple has reportedly held talks with retailer Nordstrom, a move that hints that the Apple Watch could be available to purchase from upscale third-party fashion sellers, in addition to Apple's own retail stores.
While other retailers such as Macy's, Saks 5th Avenue, Barney's, and Bloomingdales are claiming they have no immediate plans to carry the Apple Watch, a source reportedly told Reuters that Nordstrom is in talks with Apple. Officially, Nordstrom has refused to comment about the product, a position echoed by big-box retailer Target.
In addition, it was said that Best Buy, a major Apple sales partner with dedicated mini-stores in numerous locations around the U.S., may not get the Watch at launch.
Nordstrom is an international chain selling a variety of men's and women's fashion items, including watches. That could make it a natural distribution option for the Apple Watch, but so far there have been few signs that Apple plans to sell the product outside of its own outlets. In September Apple brought prototype Watches to a high-end Parisian fashion store, but that was purely for show, and the shop -- Colette -- refused to say whether it would actually sell the device.
Final details for the Apple Watch launch are due to be announced later today. It poses unique obstacles for Apple, which has never before made or sold fashion accessories.
The company is in fact believed to be preparing to renovate the Apple Store chain to better suit fashion shoppers. For example, it's been said that some Apple retail changes could include carpets and mirrors.
While other retailers such as Macy's, Saks 5th Avenue, Barney's, and Bloomingdales are claiming they have no immediate plans to carry the Apple Watch, a source reportedly told Reuters that Nordstrom is in talks with Apple. Officially, Nordstrom has refused to comment about the product, a position echoed by big-box retailer Target.
In addition, it was said that Best Buy, a major Apple sales partner with dedicated mini-stores in numerous locations around the U.S., may not get the Watch at launch.
Nordstrom is an international chain selling a variety of men's and women's fashion items, including watches. That could make it a natural distribution option for the Apple Watch, but so far there have been few signs that Apple plans to sell the product outside of its own outlets. In September Apple brought prototype Watches to a high-end Parisian fashion store, but that was purely for show, and the shop -- Colette -- refused to say whether it would actually sell the device.
Final details for the Apple Watch launch are due to be announced later today. It poses unique obstacles for Apple, which has never before made or sold fashion accessories.
The company is in fact believed to be preparing to renovate the Apple Store chain to better suit fashion shoppers. For example, it's been said that some Apple retail changes could include carpets and mirrors.
Comments
I just worry you'd have the same issue you did when Macs were just on shelves at computer stores; moronic sales people. It almost seems like Apple would need their own people there.
On a side note, my first ever visit to Nordstrom's many moons ago during my first trip to the USA was a strange experience. I held the door open for a [S]lady[/S] woman and she looked at me and said "I can open a f*****g door myself". I always remember that experience every time I see the name Nordstrom! LOL
That could be done. Don't the makeup companies have their own reps in these stores?
Oh I'm sure wherever they sell it they will have the right people selling it. Nordstrom seems about right, it's more upscale but not totally out of reach for most people. I've gotten nice stuff there that didn't cost thousands of dollars.
That could be done. Don't the makeup companies have their own reps in these stores?
No idea, I'm not in the income bracket for Nordstrom.
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But that would be to lower himself to her level, which, as a gentleman, I'm sure he wouldn't wish to do.
I just worry you'd have the same issue you did when Macs were just on shelves at computer stores; moronic sales people. It almost seems like Apple would need their own people there.
I remember it well and it was a depressing sight - often not working and the white keyboards filthy from lack of cleaning, along with staff who actively advised customer to steer clear.
I wonder how Apple and its select retailers will manage to sway the usual jewelry / watch purchaser to go for an electronic device instead of an item where the number of diamonds usually is an important factor in determining its value. When you buy a beautiful (or not) piece of jewelry or an expensive watch you buy something that will last a lifetime. I wonder if people will trust that this will be the case for an ?watch?
One of the real strengths of the Apple retail experience has always been the lack of clutter. By opening its own stores Apple did away with all competition in one fell swoop. The jewelry and watch departments in high end stores are filled with competing products. In the low end of the high end there is generally little separation between the products.
They may by now, I've no idea to be honest. This was a long time ago and I don't think I've ever been back, not because of that experience I should add lol. I was at an early Mac World ... now those are good memories ...
True! Best Buy comes to mind ... /shudder
This makes sense.
On a side note, my first ever visit to Nordstrom's many moons ago during my first trip to the USA was a strange experience. I held the door open for a lady woman and she looked at me and said "I can open a f*****g door myself". I always remember that experience every time I see the name Nordstrom! LOL
Obviously, the woman was NOT A LADY. She was rude and crass.
If a woman or man held the door open to me, I would have thanked him or her for their graciousness.
I agree. My strike out got dropped in your quote for some reason ... I already mage that point subtly
I remember it well and it was a depressing sight - often not working and the white keyboards filthy from lack of cleaning, along with staff who actively advised customer to steer clear.
I wonder how Apple and its select retailers will manage to sway the usual jewelry / watch purchaser to go for an electronic device instead of an item where the number of diamonds usually is an important factor in determining its value. When you buy a beautiful (or not) piece of jewelry or an expensive watch you buy something that will last a lifetime. I wonder if people will trust that this will be the case for an ?watch?
One of the real strengths of the Apple retail experience has always been the lack of clutter. By opening its own stores Apple did away with all competition in one fell swoop. The jewelry and watch departments in high end stores are filled with competing products. In the low end of the high end there is generally little separation between the products.
Maybe they'll have an ?Watch Performa line?
Not a good sign. Just give us one watch and be done with it.
All these Apple Watch divisions remind me of Microsoft Windows Home Office version, Windows Student, Windows Xtra special, etc.
Not a good sign. Just give us one watch and be done with it.
Apple seems to be doing just fine selling the iPhone 5S, 6 and 6+ at the same time (in a variety of colours, memory sizes and modem configurations). Three different Apple Watch editions shouldn't be a problem.
You may be right.
I do think there are too many iPad models at the moment, though.
She was probably a feminist, and a card carrying member of the Men Haters Club.
Watches typically stay in protected cases, even cheaper ones at sporting good stores, so I don't expect the same issues as a Best Buy where out-of-date Macs that have been manhandled by customers with the same consideration as a face-eating chimpanzee gives an abusive owner.
IMHO Target would be an excellent partner for the Sports Edition and Nordstom would be ideal for the two higher end watches. Nordstroms and their salespeople would be happy to sell any unique product that made them money, bt chances are Apple would buy the space and staff themselves just like the other jewelry and cosmetics sellers.
The basement dwelling neckbeards over on c|net are running around flailing their hands in the air. They simply cannot grok the fashion element of the Apple Watch. It’s going to a fun time on the comments section this afternoon.