Futureshop and Apple

[MacRumors]

FutureShop.ca (http://www.futureshop.ca) -- a subsidiary of Best Buy -- has recently launched an Apple section on their website -- suggesting that previous rumors (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/futureshop.html) of increased Apple participation were at least partially correct.

The Apple section (http://www.futureshop.ca/marketing/vendor_apple/staticPC.asp?PCName=Vendor_apple_Main&newdeptid=0&logon=&langid=EN&dept=0&WLBS=fsweb5) carries the eMac, iMac, and iBook lines along with various Apple accessories.

Recent rumors have suggested (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/06/20030629002807.shtml) that Apple's presense will also be increasing in U.S. Best Buy stores.

[SilentPanda]

Also of note (maybe) is that Best Buy's online ordering has been down for a few days and when I checked their site a few minutes ago you can't do anything at all on their site. So maybe BestBuy.com is updating for Apple too?

[Mr. Anderson]

Good sign - yet there is a definite lack of software. I only hope that this will change soon.

D

[centauratlas]

One thing I've never been sure of regarding the ratings, are they:

1. A rating of the likelihood of truth/falsity of the rumor?
or
2. Whether we like the rumor or not?

e.g. #1 would be rating whether we believed the rumor; #2 would be whether, assuming the rumor is true, whether we like it or not.

So, if the story was on PowerBook G5s being available July 2003. I'd rate #2 a positive since I would like it to be true, but #1 a negative, since I doubt there will be one in July 2003.

I haven't seen a description on the web-site ever of which is accurate.

[Orome]

Hmmmmm... Can't get into the online store. The site gives an error message that too many people are trying to access it. IREALLY hope this is something good and not just some stupid layout redesign...

[simX]

Originally posted by centauratlas
One thing I've never been sure of regarding the ratings, are they:

1. A rating of the likelihood of truth/falsity of the rumor?
or
2. Whether we like the rumor or not?

e.g. #1 would be rating whether we believed the rumor; #2 would be whether, assuming the rumor is true, whether we like it or not.

So, if the story was on PowerBook G5s being available July 2003. I'd rate #2 a positive since I would like it to be true, but #1 a negative, since I doubt there will be one in July 2003.

I haven't seen a description on the web-site ever of which is accurate.

Given that anyone can click on the positive/negative links, I'd have to assume that it's the latter -- whether people like the rumor or not.

[Abstract]

YAY!!!! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! :D :D

What a great Canada day. I'm glad, because it's difficult to get a Mac in Canada. It really is. Some universities sell them, but that's all. The next step is to open an Apple store.

And about my complaint about going to a Futureshop store earlier in the week and seeing that all the prices models were NOT updated ($1999 for an 800MHz + Combodrive iBook instead of $1850 for a 900MHz + ComboDrive), well forget it. It looks like everything is updated to the model and prices AFTER the last iBook update. Its nice that they're carrying Apple now. But hopefully, the sales people will know a bit about Macs. I don't want Apple to be misrepresented by unknowing salespeople.

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/canada.gif -- Canada Day: July 1, 1867

[fred]

Too bad they're still using 50% + exchange rate on US-Can dollar conversion when actual conversion rate is 35%. This is however not FutureShop's fault as Apple charges same exchange on their web site. Apple sux big time in this respect....this is NO WAY to gain market share Apple...shame on you

Also the prices on FS tend to be slightly higher than on Apple's online Canadian store....

[evil]

future shop has been carrying apple products for a while, they just put them online though
i also want to mention how i love how they are charging more then the suggested price for ipods but then they offer price matching at 110%.
also love how the site doesnt work well with safari.

[Abstract]

What do you mean that prices at FS are higher than at the Apple.ca website? The price of the iBooks are matched accurately, but I haven't checked the rest out yet. I just started browsing. :cool:

I wonder if they'll offer the Educational Discount. It'll be a downer if they don't. :(


http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/canada.gif -- Canada Day: July 1, 1867

[Docrjm]

Originally posted by Abstract
YAY!!!! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! :D :D

What a great Canada day. I'm glad, because it's difficult to get a Mac in Canada. It really is. Some universities sell them, but that's all. The next step is to open an Apple store.


http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/canada.gif -- Canada Day: July 1, 1867

You can also try London Drugs if you live in the West. They have slightly more knowledge cf Futureshop, but usually carry or can readily access the entire product range.:D

[michaelrjohnson]

I certainly hope that this extends to US Best Buy retail stores as well. I think that now with the G5, and the beginning of IBM partnership, Apple is in a position to compete.... seriously compete. Should be good, can't wait.

[rhpenguin]

What a great Canada day. I'm glad, because it's difficult to get a Mac in Canada. It really is. Some universities sell them, but that's all. The next step is to open an Apple store.

Where is your location? I live in London, Ontario and we have two really good Apple resellers here in town, Mac Outpost (my favourite) and Mostly Mac (the place where i bought my iBook).


Secondly, I dont really like the whole futureshop becoming an Apple reseller becuase basically the sales reps at futureflop are generally morons that dont know their dick from an iBook. But by the same token this is good because it willl bring Apple more into the mainstream.

I dont know... Ill just wait and see how it pans out.

[fred]

The only thing that will bringApple into mainstream is mainstream prices....believe me Apple has a long, long way to go in this respect.... Apple claims to be the computer for the rest of us....too bad the rest of us is down to 3% and dwindling at an alarming rate

[Abstract]

I live in Toronto, near York University, and there is a Mac store near that area. I know of a few places to get a Mac, but when you look at the big picture, are there really a LOT of places to get one? That's what I meant. There aren't too many stores that sell them. I like the fact that Futureshops are everywhere, and so now Apple computers are easily accessible.

I'm also concerned about customer service at Futureshop, but I think this is better than not being able to find them at all. Not everybody would bother purchasing a computer off a website, and not everybody knows where to get a Mac, or would bother trying to find out. But once they see them sitting at a Futureshop, people may consider getting one because now they see a familiar store selling them.

This is a great day.

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/canada.gif -- Canada Day: July 1, 1867

[Docrjm]

Originally posted by fred
The only thing that will bringApple into mainstream is mainstream prices....believe me Apple has a long, long way to go in this respect.... Apple claims to be the computer for the rest of us....too bad the rest of us is down to 3% and dwindling at an alarming rate

I think that that rate could climb, My 12 yr old daughter living in the uk , 9000km from myself, has asked for an Apple powerbook. She uses wintel at school!
Excellent taste methinks:D

[Orome]

Well, I just got into the Best Buy website (finally) and as I feared, it's just a stupid site redesign. No Macs yet, but I wasn't expecting too much anyway...

[question fear]

yea, the bestbuy.com redesign was planned for a while....sorry it disappointed you guys. if it helps, to all you best buy haters out there, the ordering system if not the whole website was down for a whilel...i think like half of june. so maybe they lost some business. :)
wow. i really do hate my job.
however, to stay on topic, since i work in merchandising we'd know if macs were coming because we'd be the people to set up the display and stuff. ugh. and i thought having to switch att and cingulars spots was bad....
blech.
--carly

[Codemonkey]

... but do they care?

Try browsing the store in Safari (v.85 for me)... none of the product links work!!!!

Lazy-arsed web designers irk me.

I suggest everyone send a "bug report" to Futureshop. Word it as you wish. :mad:

[yzedf]

Originally posted by Abstract
YAY!!!! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! :D :D

What a great Canada day. I'm glad, because it's difficult to get a Mac in Canada. It really is. Some universities sell them, but that's all. The next step is to open an Apple store.

And about my complaint about going to a Futureshop store earlier in the week and seeing that all the prices models were NOT updated ($1999 for an 800MHz + Combodrive iBook instead of $1850 for a 900MHz + ComboDrive), well forget it. It looks like everything is updated to the model and prices AFTER the last iBook update. Its nice that they're carrying Apple now. But hopefully, the sales people will know a bit about Macs. I don't want Apple to be misrepresented by unknowing salespeople.

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/flags/canada.gif -- Canada Day: July 1, 1867
Take no offense to this, but the knowing Apple salespeople have not represented Apple well in the last 3 years. Otherwise, sales figures (# units sold) would be up, not down.

Codemonkey - freaking out on these guys the first day the site is up because apple's beta browser doesn't work...? That'll be helpfull, of that I am sure ;)

[Jerry Spoon]

Originally posted by Mr. Anderson
Good sign - yet there is a definite lack of software. I only hope that this will change soon.

D
I'm really looking for the software too. Plus, who's going to want to buy a mac when the place they're buying it from doesn't carry any software for it? Where's the convenience?

[Codemonkey]

Originally posted by yzedf

Codemonkey - freaking out on these guys the first day the site is up because apple's beta browser doesn't work...? That'll be helpfull, of that I am sure ;)

a) a site that sells mac products that I physically can't buy doesn't help anyone

b) if no-one tells them, then how will they know to fix it?

It's kind of like honking at a "student driver" that has just cut you off: if you don't honk, then they'll continue doing it.

c) safari is 1.0. it's about as good as it's going to get, as far as html rendering is concerned. It's not considered a beta anymore.

so no, no breaks should be given.

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by yzedf
Take no offense to this, but the knowing Apple salespeople have not represented Apple well in the last 3 years. Otherwise, sales figures (# units sold) would be up, not down.

Codemonkey - freaking out on these guys the first day the site is up because apple's beta browser doesn't work...? That'll be helpfull, of that I am sure ;)

Safari 1.0 is out.

[centauratlas]

>Given that anyone can click on the positive/negative links, I'd have to assume that it's the latter -- whether people like the rumor or not.<

It could just as easily be a vote on whether people think the rumor is true since anyone can click it.

[Pete_Hoover]

Originally posted by Orome
Hmmmmm... Can't get into the online store. The site gives an error message that too many people are trying to access it. IREALLY hope this is something good and not just some stupid layout redesign...

Looks like it is a stupid layout redesign.

[notmatt]

Originally posted by Codemonkey
a) a site that sells mac products that I physically can't buy doesn't help anyone

b) if no-one tells them, then how will they know to fix it?

It's kind of like honking at a "student driver" that has just cut you off: if you don't honk, then they'll continue doing it.

c) safari is 1.0. it's about as good as it's going to get, as far as html rendering is concerned. It's not considered a beta anymore.

so no, no breaks should be given.

Regarding Safari being "as good as it's going to get" I refer you to Dave Hyatt's post (http://weblogs.mozillazine.org/hyatt/archives/2003_06.html#003564) on the subject. Despite being "out of beta" this could still be a Safari glitch (especially if the site works in Mozilla).

Sending them a note is good, though, 'cause they'd certainly like to know that Apple's browser doesn't work for their Apple store.

As for hopes that the future shop staff might be knowledgable about Apple products? Bwahahahaha! They'd have to learn how to find their butt with both hands first.

While there are exceptions, Future Shop staff have to be among the least knowledable I've ever had the misfortune to encounter. I'd be a little shocked to find out if they get any sort of product training at all, and aren't just winging it the whole time.

[Abstract]

Futureshop people aren't necessarily trained to sell what they sell. They have to know the products in their assigned section, but understanding what models they sell isn't the same thing as understanding the products themselves.

If you go into a Futureshop and ask about digital cameras, they'll tell you to buy Camera A instead of Camera B because Camera A has 3.2MegaPixels, while Camera B doesn't. But that doesn't mean that Camera B doesn't take better looking pictures!!! I wouldn't buy a 3.2MP HewlettPackard digital camera over a 2.0MP Canon A60. The CCD chip (or whatever its called) that's responsible for picking up the light isn't as good as the one in the Canon. I'm not saying that I'm a camera expert, but if you ask a Futureshop employee which camera is good, they'll always tell you to get the most expensive camera within your price range that also has the highest MegaPixels. :o

[jcdenton]

The last time I was on the Future Shop site you could access those links in Safari by option-clicking and opening them in a new window. Not sure whose bug this is but I got around it that way.

Which is fine as long as you don't mind having a hell of a lot of browser windows open.

[Atradies]

Originally posted by SilentPanda
Also of note (maybe) is that Best Buy's online ordering has been down for a few days and when I checked their site a few minutes ago you can't do anything at all on their site. So maybe BestBuy.com is updating for Apple too?

Just so you know, there website being down has nothing to do with apple. They just happen to be updating to version 3.0 as they put it.

[QCassidy352]

anyone notice that futureshop is offering a 15" 800 mhz imac with superdrive? Seems to be the last generation model... I wonder why that is. :confused:

[Dave K]

It's probably worth noting that, while they haven't been on the website, FutureShop has been stocking CRT iMacs, iBooks, and the new iMacs for at least the last two years off and on.

As well, when Best Buy picked up FutureShop, my understanding is that most of the FS management was left in place and maintained some autonomy. In fact, the handful of Best Buy branded stores in Canada are run out of the FutureShop offices in BC.

[Blaq]

Originally posted by Dave K
It's probably worth noting that, while they haven't been on the website, FutureShop has been stocking CRT iMacs, iBooks, and the new iMacs for at least the last two years off and on.

As well, when Best Buy picked up FutureShop, my understanding is that most of the FS management was left in place and maintained some autonomy. In fact, the handful of Best Buy branded stores in Canada are run out of the FutureShop offices in BC.


I'm in Ottawa, and Best Buy just recently opened their first store here in the city... right across the street from Future Shop. Talk about autonomy - I can't imagine many head offices would approve of that, unless they're planning on closing the Future Shop...

[Squire]

Typically, FutureShop boasts that they'll beat the competition's price. I noticed that the 30 GB iPod is $50 MORE EXPENSIVE than the Apple Store. What's with that?

Squire

[Dave K]

Originally posted by Blaq
I'm in Ottawa, and Best Buy just recently opened their first store here in the city... right across the street from Future Shop. Talk about autonomy - I can't imagine many head offices would approve of that, unless they're planning on closing the Future Shop...

Is it a "hole in the wall" FutureShop, or a big Canadian Tire sized one? I know of at least one spot in the GTA where a HITW had a big box Best Buy show up in a new development across the road, and I highly suspect that if the new location outsells the old one they'll shut it down once the lease is up.

Of course, this type of thing is not exactly unheard of. I'm trying to remember which ones it is from when I did inventory, but there's one company that fronts at least three different sports apparel/running shoes stores and has no quams whatsoever if all three are in the same mall.

In general, FutureShop/Best Buy have stated in the press they want to keep the brands "separate" to prevent one from tarnishing the other. Especially since, at least so far, the Best Buy model hasn't been working as well as planned and, at least in Toronto, they've been "adjusting" staff levels to meet lower than expected sales.

[Blaq]

Originally posted by Dave K
Is it a "hole in the wall" FutureShop, or a big Canadian Tire sized one? I know of at least one spot in the GTA where a HITW had a big box Best Buy show up in a new development across the road, and I highly suspect that if the new location outsells the old one they'll shut it down once the lease is up.

Of course, this type of thing is not exactly unheard of. I'm trying to remember which ones it is from when I did inventory, but there's one company that fronts at least three different sports apparel/running shoes stores and has no quams whatsoever if all three are in the same mall.

In general, FutureShop/Best Buy have stated in the press they want to keep the brands "separate" to prevent one from tarnishing the other. Especially since, at least so far, the Best Buy model hasn't been working as well as planned and, at least in Toronto, they've been "adjusting" staff levels to meet lower than expected sales.

It isn't qutie as big as the one in Gloucester, but I'd definetly consider it to be a full-size "warehouse" type setup. The BB isn't that much bigger...

I'm surpised that the BB isn't doing as well as the FS - all they have to do is convince their employees that every customer they see ISN'T a target for a shake-down like they do at FS and people would flock to them!

[iEric]

I'm glad that Futureshop finally sells Apple products online at more in store.

However, with Futureshop, you can't really bargin. I like to go to MacStation and Simply Computing because I can get just a little bit of a discount. :D (and if you think i'm cheap, i'm not. its just that I'd rather spend the extra cash on something else. like software or a new printer, ect.)

[adamfilip]

I use to be a peripheral sales person at futureshop in burlington, Ontario

selling.. you know. cdroms, sound and video cards.. hard drives and such..

although i can say that many of the sales people there (especually ones who are over 30 , for some reason?) arent very interested in computers and dont have a passion to learn and be technically accurate in there information.

being as i sold perhipherals.. i had to keep very up to date and i also got lots of tech calls.. from customers.. i dont work there any more but i dont appreciate it when people judge all futureshop employes as morons.. its just not fair.. there might be a few.. but the majority of the people there know what there talking about.

but that only applies to PC's ofcourse :D

[Squire]

Originally posted by adamfilip
I use to be a peripheral sales person at futureshop in burlington, Ontario

selling.. you know. cdroms, sound and video cards.. hard drives and such..

although i can say that many of the sales people there (especually ones who are over 30 , for some reason?) arent very interested in computers and dont have a passion to learn and be technically accurate in there information.

being as i sold perhipherals.. i had to keep very up to date and i also got lots of tech calls.. from customers.. i dont work there any more but i dont appreciate it when people judge all futureshop employes as morons.. its just not fair.. there might be a few.. but the majority of the people there know what there talking about.

but that only applies to PC's ofcourse :D

In my limited dealings with FutureShop, I found the staff to be quite helpful. Do you have any idea, though, why there's a price discrepancy between the Apple Store and FutureShop? That seems odd to me.

Squire

[adamfilip]

futureshop adds there own margin to it.. and they prob wont pricematch a webstore so. they have almost nothing to loose by not having the same price.. its silly.. there are pretty slow at updating the system with new prices.

i really dont know

its been 3 years since i worked there

[SilvorX]

Compusmart (one of the only true canadian computer store chains) has been selling macs at their retailers for YEARS and only about a year ago started selling them on their website since Apple Canada didnt allow resellers to sell Apple products on their websites for some reason, but when i bought my iBook from Compusmart, i ordered it off the net (well the order was transfered to the local Compusmart location and they took care of it).
Compusmart's website now has a section just for Macs: http://www.compusmart.com/Default.asp?eSectionID=207

[superfunkomatic]

not sure if anyone was aware of this but futureshop used to sell macs up until about 4 years ago.

they were about 30% more, and they had monkeys (no not real monkeys, that would be fun...) working there. it's a good sign that there may be a rekindled interest in macs as a retail vehicle but the apple authorized dealers are the best bet - knowledge, price and experience - not sales based on commission. plus the demographic for the futureshop is bargain hunters for household electronics, never really apple's market.

[Styvas]

I've always found the staff at Futureshop to be very friendly and willing to help, but I'm astonished at how often I've dealt with pure ignorance, or been given completely incorrect information.

I went in recently to buy a laser printer. The printer was being advertised as Mac and PC compatible. I took their word for it and bought it. Needless to say, i was returning it that afternoon as it was not Mac compatible at all.

My sister went in with explicit instructions off of Compaq's website to purchase RAM for her notebook. They sold her desktop RAM (the fellow even claimed to know something about Compaqs and assured her he was selling her the correct RAM). To their credit, when I went back in to exchange it for the right stuff, they couriered it to England at their expense (that is where she is living).

My experience seems to be that Futureshop hires sales people. London Drugs would seem to hire computer techs to do their sales. They may not know anything more about Macs than the FS staff, but they seem far more capable of finding out the answers when they don't know off the top of their head. London Drugs will also order in and they seem to have some access to Educational discounts. Their prices also seem competitive.

MacStation and Simply Computing are definitely the Mac experts to talk to, but they don't buy in bulk like FS and London Drugs, so their prices always seem higher. From my location here, it's a bit of a drive to get to one, as well (a good hour or so).

Nevertheless, I'm pleased that FS is putting a greater focus on the Apple products. It will definitely give Macs more exposure in an environment that isn't dedicated to Apple (I think this gives more credibility with the PC crowd).

Steve