Why was the Apple Watch only released in 3 stores in NZ?

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dantiberian

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#179186 30-Aug-2015 17:16

I went into a Yoobee on Saturday and asked why they weren't stocking the Apple Watch. The salesman there told me that Apple required anyone to stock the Apple Watch to carry stock for ALL the Apple Watches, including the Editions, totalling up to $600,000 NZD worth of stock. Noel Leeming was the only who wanted to take that expense, and only at their three biggest stores that could justify it.

That sounded a little fishy to me, so I checked on Apple's site and it doesn't look like any shops in NZ stock the Edition. That contradicts the salesman story.

Does anyone have any other information on why only three stores have it?

Dunnersfella

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#1376493 30-Aug-2015 17:29

The Noel Leeming I got my one from has a 'mini Apple store' inside. I would assume the 600k would also take into account the re-fit required for this.

They did (to my surprise) seem to have all the models / possible combinations in-stock, with the watch being presented on a tray like it is at a jewellers...

RunningMan

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#1376495 30-Aug-2015 17:33

You seem to have answered your own question - the cost of buying all that stock.

sbiddle

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#1376496 30-Aug-2015 17:45

Apple love exclusivity - I suspect this goes some way to explaining things.

0verdose05

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#1376498 30-Aug-2015 17:46

Noels doesn't stock the Edition watch so I wouldn't be listening to the Yoobee sales person regarding any of their mis-information.

sidders80

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#1376501 30-Aug-2015 17:48

Are you looking at buying one or generally not happy that not many retailers stock it??

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dantiberian

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#1376645 30-Aug-2015 21:45

I already own one, but was curious why only 3 stores in NZ stock it.

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dantiberian

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#1377946 1-Sep-2015 21:55

I did some calculations, one of every Apple Watch Sport (10 models) would cost $6,500, one of every Apple Watch (20 models) would cost $26,500, one of every Apple Watch Edition (8 models) would cost $190,000 (retail).

The margins on Apple hardware is usually pretty terrible for retailers so I'll assume they're paying full price for easy math.

Five of each Sport and Steel watch would cost $164,400 (including GST), which sounds like a lot, but is probably equivalent to the amount of stock a (large) store would need to hold for all of their computers.

dickytim

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#1378004 2-Sep-2015 06:59

There was the same thing in Aussie. Only 3 Myer stores had the Apple watch in stock.

In fact Noel Leemings here had it before they did!

I managed to be the first purchase of an Apple Watch at Myer in Melbourne.

That said they have a few Apple stores which had been selling them for a wee while.

chiefie

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#1378043 2-Sep-2015 08:54

I got mine from order to delivered in less than 24 hours from Sydney. Super impressive... and Christchurch's Noel Leeming has none - not in "eligible" store I guess. However I was fortunate enough to have a go wearing/using one for 4 days or so through work so I already know what to expect.

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livisun

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#1378098 2-Sep-2015 10:23

yes, you were required to re-fit your store to their standards.. costing up to $600,000. not worth it

dantiberian

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#1378224 2-Sep-2015 13:27

Ahh, that makes more sense from where the $600k number came from. $600k stock by itself didn't sound quite right.