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Retailers - Alex Yau
April 14, 2015
Manufacturer focusing on its own channels, boutique stores and high-end retailers for launch
Carphone Warehouse will not be stocking the Apple Watch at its launch on April 10 after the manufacturer declined to supply the product to the retailer.
Apple will instead focus on its own channels, Selfridges and boutique stores such as Dover Street Market. It will be available to preview at these stores on April 10 ahead of it going on sale on April 24.
Carphone Warehouse UK chief executive Graham Stapleton confirmed it had been declined distribution of the product interview with the Daily Telegraph. It will not be stocked by any mobile operators either.
He said: “We would love to be able to stock the Apple Watch. I’ve got to be careful what I say but I think they are just going another way with it. We have not been given the opportunity.”
Despite the news that it will not be stocking the Apple Watch, Stapleton added that Carphone was pushing ahead with plans for dedicated wearables space in its stores.
Carphone Warehouse has since sent Mobile News the following statement.
“Apple is focusing on its own outlets for the launch of the Apple Watch. This is a global approach while Apple gauges the reaction to the range and finds out which models are most popular with customers. Dixons Carphone looks forward to stocking it in due course and we will continue to stay in touch with Apple during the launch of this exciting new technology.”
