Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail
Apple "boutiques" at Best Buy
Last week, we pointed out Apple's intention to extend its presence in Best Buy (Best Buy is a big box electronics store here in the US) to 200 locations in 2007. We noted some of the less-than-Mac-like experiences we've had at the hands of Best Buy employees, and some of you shared similar experiences. Today, there's good news.MacNN is reporting that Apple may establish "boutiques" in these locations, sort of stores within the store. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said, "We believe Apple's store within a store at Best Buy will be much different compared to the current pilot store roll-out, which was a table with Apple products on it..." on Monday. Sounds good, and we're eager to see the setup.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Marlon said 11:51AM on 4-09-2007
It would be even better if there was some kind of on-staff Apple-certified Genius to handle support/AppleCare issues
Reply
Greenline said 12:05PM on 4-09-2007
Sounds like bad news I don't like it. There is a reason Apple retail is so successfull and I don't think it is because of Best Buy.
Reply
matmccoy said 1:09PM on 4-09-2007
I think this makes sense for Apple with the pending closure of hundreds of CompUSA stores and their Apple stores within stores.
Reply
Billy K said 1:33PM on 4-09-2007
Last time BB emphasized Apple stuff, didn't they have a "Mac Guy" on staff?
Reply
Fred said 12:47PM on 4-09-2007
Oh yeah! I remember how well the store within a store thing worked for CompUSA! The Mac section was totally neglected in those stores! Can't wait, this should be awesome!
Reply
monica said 12:48PM on 4-09-2007
I stopped going to Best Buy because the help is so incompetent. I can't imagine them trying to explain Apple products to a newbie such as myself. I'll stick to favorite Apple retailer.....
Reply
SubGenius said 12:52PM on 4-09-2007
The reason for this is because CompUSA is going out of business. (Thank GOD!) I think the relationship with Best Buy will work out much better. CompUSA never really appreciated what Apple could do for them and didn't invest much into the relationship. This may have been because they had more serious issues to address.
Reply
Marlon said 1:07PM on 4-09-2007
I actually bought a 17" PowerBook from CompUSA like 2 years ago or so
Reply
Galley said 2:39PM on 4-09-2007
The CompUSA here in Greenville, SC sells tons of Apple gear. It will be interesting to see if they bring Apple gear to our Best Buy since we are supposed to be getting South Carolina's first Apple Store sometime this year.
Reply
Billy K said 1:40PM on 4-09-2007
Whoops - I meant CompUSA.
Reply
Brian said 1:41PM on 4-09-2007
Last time I went to Best Buy, they had a Mac Guy who wasn't employed by Best Buy. He definitely exuded "Genius". Hopefully the Geeks and the Geniuses will be coexisting soon.
Reply
robert said 3:02PM on 4-09-2007
I will still buy a Mac at CompUSA b/c they will match an online offer (buy and Mac and get free ram, etc.) They also offer two years with no interest and no payments. Let's face it, I'm poor and still want a new Mac. If the apple store would offer the 2yr financing, I would forget the freebies and buy grom them. I expect Best Buy to put the Macs in the back corner of the store and will not do a good job on selling the OS and reasons why you should use a Mac.
Reply
gfahey said 4:40PM on 4-09-2007
Buy a Mac at BestBuy and get pressured from "Geek Squad" to screw it up for you.
No thanks.
Reply