At Least One Walmart Featuring New Apple Display Concept With iOS Devices
by Brent Dirks
April 16, 2012
It looks like at least one Walmart is sprucing up its Apple section. While the ubiquitous discount retailer has sold Apple’s iOS products for quite some time, the presentation (especially compared with Apple Stores) has left something to be desired.
But according to ifoAppleStore, a new store-within-a-store concept has appeared at a Walmart in Arkansas, just 20 minutes from the company’s home office in Bentonville.
Located in Lovell, Ark., the new concept has definitely taken a page from the Apple Store. Products are available for use on clean, wooden tables while iOS products are advertised with bright signage. Under-table storage provides visibility of products. Security is also believed to be stricter than an Apple Store.
The look mirrors the concept of Apple displays at Best Buy and Target stores. The now defunct CompUSA was the first to feature Apple’s concept in 1997.
According to ifoAppleStore, the new look could be a prototype for in-store Apple displays at Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart’s warehouse retailing answer to Costco.
What do you think about the new design? I’m really impressed, especially comparing it to the dinky Apple display at my closest Walmart.
Hopefully, the design will be rolled out to other stores soon to give people who don’t live near an Apple Store a pleasant shopping experience.