Best Buy

While Apple isn’t planning to release Apple Watch sales numbers anytime soon, we are getting our first idea of demand for the device. Barely 3 weeks ago the Apple Watch launched at 100 Best Buy locations. At that time, the electronics retailer announced that over the next several months they would roll the device out to a total of 300 locations. Apparently things went well. This morning Hubert Joly, CEO of Best Buy, announced that sales for the smartwatch have been “so strong” that the company is accelerating its roll out. Around 900 Best Buy locations will begin to stock the Watch by September 4 and by the end of the month all 1050 Best Buy locations and 30 Best Buy Mobile stores will offer the Apple Watch. The news also coincides with an announcement that Best Buy is expanding and updating their 740 Apple store-within-a-stores.

The smartwatch market is beginning to mature as it starts to find its feet. With devices such as Olio, Gear S2, the second Moto 360, and Apple Watch running watchOS 2 hitting that market, it is clear the device makers are beginning to understand the shortcomings of previous devices as well as the limitations of smartwatches. As the devices become more refined, it is easier for them to find an audience. It will be interesting one day to see actual sales numbers because I believe that 2015 has been a massive year for wearable device growth.

Been thinking about an Apple Watch but you want to check one out in person first and you don’t live near an Apple Store. Well good news, Best Buy announced Sunday it will be the first national retailer to sell the Apple device. Initially it will only be for sale in 100 locations, with another 200 added by the holidays. In total the chain will carry 16 models of the stainless steel and, less expensive, aluminum versions of the Watch. They will also stock approximately 50 accessories, including bands and watch charging stands. The additional sales outlets follows reports of conflicting sales estimates, with Slice Intelligence claiming a sharp drop in sales while Apple states that sales are stronger than ever. The Apple Watch is now for sale in 19 countries with New Zealand, Russia, and Turkey being added to the list at the end of this week.