by Dan Moren
Apple Watch pre-orders online only, supplies limited
If you were hoping to waltz into an Apple Store tomorrow morning and place an order for an Apple Watch, Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts would like you to think again:
“Based on the tremendous interest from people visiting our stores, as well as the number of customers who have gone to the Apple Online Store to mark their favorite Apple Watch ahead of availability, we expect that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores. “To provide the best experience and selection to as many customers as we can, we will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period.”
As expected, though the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport will be available to try on at any Apple Store, the Edition is only available at “select” stores. Apple hasn’t said exactly which stores those are, but assume those in the most well-to-do areas around the globe.
Whether the limited supply is a function of how many Apple has been able to manufacture so far or high demand is anybody’s guess; we’ll also have to wait and see if the early reviews have dampened people’s enthusiasm.
Either way, if you’re still determined to order an Apple Watch, it might be wise to set your alarm. See you at 3 a.m Eastern, fellow foolish people.