WalMart To Sell iPod Shuffle?

[MacRumors]

According to Apple Insider, Apple has entered into a partnership with WalMart to distribute the iPod Shuffle in possible all of their nearly 5000 retail stores.

a Wal-Mart feature calls for at least 50 units -- in this case 25+ of each shuffle model -- per hometown store, while metro area locations would require significantly larger quantities of the product.

Figuring conservatively, with 5000 stores each receiving approximately 50 units, the feature alone would demand a quarter million shuffles. "That of course is in addition to regular sell through, and is a very conservative number," sources added.

[maya]

Hope this deal makes its way North to Canada, I have checked some of the local Electronic stores that carry Apple products and no sign of the Shuffle.

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Need I even mention that Walmart's music store doesn't support the iPod, or rather they use WMA? Funny how all these folks want a piece of the pie, but don't have the guts to take a stand against M$. Can't have it both ways kids.

[speleoterra]

What does that say about WalMarts online musicstore then?
They are just seeing it as a commodity I suppose.

As for Canada, (that's the country above you stateside Americans by the way) if you pre-ordered one, three weeks from today. If you are expecting to walk into anystore and see one on the shelf somewhere's with Apple products/local dealer then the wait will be 4 weeks from today.

[maya]

Originally Posted by Some_Big_Spoon

Need I even mention that Walmart's music store doesn't support the iPod, or rather they use WMA? Funny how all these folks want a piece of the pie, but don't have the guts to take a stand against M$. Can't have it both ways kids.

Though I see your point, Wal-Mart does carry OTHER flash players.

Yeah not as good, however its a great introduction point for Apple. Just because someone shops at Wal-Mart doesn't mean they buy EVERYTHING from there.

[mkrishnan]

Originally Posted by Some_Big_Spoon

Need I even mention that Walmart's music store doesn't support the iPod, or rather they use WMA? Funny how all these folks want a piece of the pie, but don't have the guts to take a stand against M$. Can't have it both ways kids.

It's not exactly like Apple is selling licenses for Fairplay to other online music stores who want iPod compatibility....

[Santaduck]

I wonder if Walmart would be allowed even a modest discount on their pricing. That would be very typical of Walmart, but singularly unbelievable for Apple.

[billystlyes]

Next 7-11! JK Why not if it helps Apple.

[sjpetry]

I wonder if this will help sell Shuffles?

[maya]

Originally Posted by billystlyes

Next 7-11! JK Why not if it helps Apple.

For this to happen Apple will release a new product called the iPop, you take the iPod name and flip with rotate the "d" in iPod and you have this.


iPop is a new flavour candy that looks like the Shuffle only edible and cost 99 cents.

[Xtremehkr]

Wal Mart is slimey, I hope it doesn't stick. Good move though, despite how I feel about Wal Mart. The Shuffle is a bargain and Wal Mart is King of distribution. Maybe Apple can be a positive influence on Wal Mart. At the very least it exposes a lot of people to a better computer with a superior OS, assuming consumers are content with their iPod Shuffle and start looking at other Apple products. The Mini Mac comes to mind, it's price level is close to the Unix machine they offer but is so much easier to use. Wal Mart would have no problems supplying cheap peripherals either.

[narco]

A deal with the devil. Everyone knows you can't buy anything "cool" at Walmart. I don't think this is good news.

Fishes,
narco.

[maya]

Originally Posted by sjpetry

I wonder if this will help sell Shuffles?

If it does great, if it doesn't Apple still gets advertising.

[dombi]

As much as I don't like Walmart, I think this could really boost the iPod shuffle sales (not that they really need that :-) ). I really need to find me one somewhere...

[you]

I wonder if songs on the walmart music store will be compatable

[el greenerino]

Lets hope this is the only thing Apple ever sells in Wal*Mart.

If it's going to be the same price as everywhere else, why go to Wal*Mart to get one?

The only reason I can see is to save time if you're there to get 89¢ on a can of Pringles and to walk out with gum on the bottom of your shoes.

[dguisinger]

As an FYI, MacMall has a backorder on the Shuffle 512MB of around 1200 units; I didn't ask how far backordered they are on the 1GB. Apple is doing quite well on their 3rd party orders.

[Arcady]

Now you can buy an iPod and help destroy America's economy at the same time!

[adam1185]

Originally Posted by speleoterra

What does that say about WalMarts online musicstore then?
They are just seeing it as a commodity I suppose.

As for Canada, (that's the country above you stateside Americans by the way) if you pre-ordered one, three weeks from today. If you are expecting to walk into anystore and see one on the shelf somewhere's with Apple products/local dealer then the wait will be 4 weeks from today.

I'm in Canada and ordered my 1gb shuffle when it was announced. It should get here by Tuesday with standard shipping. It's no wonder they arent' available in any stores yet, apple can't even supply them in their own stores. They should be at futureshop and best buy here soon it seems. Their websites slate the release for Feb. 11th I believe.

[i_am_a_cow]

Walmart put Rubbermaid out of business!!! They are *******s and will try to drive Apple to cheap labor.

[AndreMA]

I'm not at all fond of Wal*Mart, but I can see a benefit (beyond simply getting the product into wider distribution) in helping to dispel the "Apple = Expensive" mindset.

[SiliconAddict]

Sold their soul to the Devil Apple did. Normally I’m not ravenously opposed to any one company on principle but Walmart is actually worse then Microsoft in terms of their business practices and how they treat their employees.
Normally I would be pro any choice Apple makes but I think this is a mistake. Best Buy, fine. Target, fine. CompUSA, fine. Circuit City, fine. Walmart. Not so fine.

[VicMacs]

the more it's "out there" the better

apple can use the publicity, everybody goes to WM

now they should call it iMart, or WalPod

hehe

go Apple , sell those babies!!!!!

[billystlyes]

Originally Posted by you

I wonder if songs on the walmart music store will be compatable

HE HE HE. Now that would be news!

[Brandon Sharitt]

So people who can't afford an iPod settle for going to Wal-Mart to get some cheap flash based player. If they see something with the name iPod on it they'd probably be more likely to buy it so they look cool.