Best Buy Accelerating Apple Watch Rollout to All 1,050 Stores Amid Strong Demand

[iBlazed]

As far as I understand, CurrentC will create a QR code on my mobil device that can be scanned at the point of sale by participating retailers. The QR code will link to my bank account and my loyalty/rewards cards for that particular retailer. If that's the case, it should be able to be added to Passbook. Of course you're correct that I don't know all the ins and outs of CurrentC, and it is possible that I have it all wrong.

CurrentC is it's own independent app and payment system, it's a lot more than just a preloaded gift card that can be scanned from Passbook. MCX wants nothing to do with passbook, anyway. Passbook cannot generate individual QR codes for each transaction.

On top of all that, it's a lot more complicated than NFC payments and it gives retailers direct access to your bank account plus all your personal info. All that stuff gets saved on their servers. You know how great retailers are at preventing hacks. Remember the Target hack last year where millions of people's info was stolen? Target is a major backer of CurrentC, put two and two together.

 

[QuiteSure]

Perhaps you don't remember the hype surrounding the event when the watch was launched. Perhaps you don't remember the marketing blitz Apple went on (that has slowed down considerably I might add) to try and convince people to purchase the device. Perhaps you don't remember the amount of hysteria leading up the build up of Apple revealing its next big thing... So, I think Apple wanted to sell a lot, but they were unsure, and that's why they stuck the Watch in the "other" category in its financials instead of as a separate device. Because they knew of the products many and substantial headwinds.

And yes, perhaps I did "leave out" the fitness aspect of the device, the amazing "heart rate" monitor that I'm sure so many of it's users are able to gain so much knowledge from that it justifies such an expensive accessory.. But even it's impact you must admit is hardly overwhelming, in any regard. One must just look to the fact that Apple, in its presentation, actually tried to sell the "fitness aspect" of the device by showing all of the amazing "badges" and "awards" one might "earn" as it tracks an individual's fitness levels. Doesn't that really say it all?

I guess I'll try and explain my view to you like this. It's a watch. It tells time really well. How "beautiful" it is is hardly objective, and is completely subjective. Some may like it, others may not. The materials of the device I think are good. The design of the device is decent, at least when comparing it to other smart watches. It still has the problems of every other smart watch, i.e., it's not thin enough. So if a person is in the market for a watch in the 500-1000 dollar range, and they aren't able to score a good deal on a quality time piece that may last for generations, then I can see the appeal in purchasing one. But in getting people to buy a watch who don't normally wear one and weren't planning on purchasing one.. I think you know where I stand.

The whole cave thing. Don't be so defensive.. I think my social group, and inner circle, is and was the main group Apple is/was targeting, and none of my friends have one. Not a single one.

I'm seeing it more successful with older users (my generation) who don't care as much about the "cool" factor (I don't think the Apple Watch is particularly cool, and I wear an iPhone belt case, so I am somewhat of an expert on what's not cool) but enjoy the functionality of the Watch, the modest fitness capabilities and, perhaps most importantly, the illuminated watchface that's very easy to read with an older set of eyes. Also, the generation that has a bit more disposable cash so the $399/$599 price point is not a real deterrent.

 

[QuiteSure]

CurrentC is it's own independent app and payment system, it's a lot more than just a preloaded gift card that can be scanned from Passbook. MCX wants nothing to do with passbook, anyway. Passbook cannot generate individual QR codes for each transaction.

On top of all that, it's a lot more complicated than NFC payments and it gives retailers direct access to your bank account plus all your personal info. All that stuff gets saved on their servers. You know how great retailers are at preventing hacks. Remember the Target hack last year where millions of people's info was stolen? Target is a major backer of CurrentC, put two and two together.

Ok, but don't you think there can be a CurrentC Watch app?

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying CurrentC is as good as ApplePay, just that I'm happy to use it if I can do it on my Watch.

And if I was really worried about hacking my accounts I wouldn't use any online banking and would move to a shack in Montana (no offense intended to people living in shacks in Montana)

 

[iBlazed]

Ok, but don't you think there can be a CurrentC Watch app?

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying CurrentC is as good as ApplePay, just that I'm happy to use it if I can do it on my Watch.

They can make a Watch app, but I don't see them getting that far. Why would you be happy to use something less secure that gives retailers direct access to your bank account and info so they can advertise to you instead of the more convenient and secure apple pay?

 

[QuiteSure]

They can make a Watch app, but I don't see them getting that far. Why would you be happy to use something less secure that gives retailers direct access to your bank account and info so they can advertise to you instead of the more convenient and secure apple pay?

If I can use ApplePay I will always use ApplePay. But if I can't and my choice is pulling out plastic, writing a check or using my Watch for CurrentC, I'll probably use my Watch for the convenience factor, unless I want the credit card reward points for that particular purchase.

 

[macs4nw]

I would love to see numbers. There is so much noise out there about how well or badly the watch is doing. Apple's refusal to release numbers has made it difficult to gauge so all the pundits have filled in with opinions (which range from total failure to wild success). Maybe now we can get something from Best buy that gives us a more factual insight.

I could be totally off here, but the fact BB now wants the watch in all 1050 of their stores, rather than just 300, and "by the end of September" no less, seems to be a pretty good indication that BB at least, must have a high demand for the new Watch. Seems to contradict a lot of the doom and gloom that was painted by some quarters just a few weeks ago.

Personally I believe wearables have a great future and are here to stay.

 

[iBlazed]

If I can use ApplePay I will always use ApplePay. But if I can't and my choice is pulling out plastic, writing a check or using my Watch for CurrentC, I'll probably use my Watch for the convenience factor, unless I want the credit card reward points for that particular purchase.

Ok, hope you have identity theft protection.

 

[doelcm82]

Like the iPod ??? Like the iPad ??? MacPro??? Like everything Apple has done!! Line up every "SmartWatch" Company and tell me who has the most money,R&D, and support behind their Watch!?? Doesn't guarantee a successful product, but does guarantee a Company like Apple will not pull the plug on it! Their in it for the long run!

Yes. Exactly like those.

 

[sulpfiction]

I have barely seen this device in the wild, if ever. Frankly, not only do I not have the urge to buy it, but I have now completely forgot about the product.

This thing has been a disaster. It's starting to get digs in influential media now too. That's not to say that any smart watch is a hit. None of them are, because they are currently pointless expensive devices with no clear exceptional function. Those who say otherwise must just be trying to justify their 500 dollar iPhone accessory.

I think you are the one trying to justify NOT having the $500 to purchase. I love my watch! And I spent $700. I was worried that I might have some buyers remorse after I got it on launch day. But it's been the exact opposite. Every single day I like it a little more. And if I forgot it one day it would be almost as bad as forgetting my phone. That's how much I rely on it. To each his own but I absolutely love my AW.

 

[doelcm82]

If I can use ApplePay I will always use ApplePay. But if I can't and my choice is pulling out plastic, writing a check or using my Watch for CurrentC, I'll probably use my Watch for the convenience factor, unless I want the credit card reward points for that particular purchase.

I use my Apple Watch for convenient payment AND I get the exact same credit card reward points when I use the Apple Watch as I do when I take out the credit card.

 

[cmChimera]

Perhaps you don't remember the hype surrounding the event when the watch was launched. Perhaps you don't remember the marketing blitz Apple went on (that has slowed down considerably I might add) to try and convince people to purchase the device. Perhaps you don't remember the amount of hysteria leading up the build up of Apple revealing its next big thing... So, I think Apple wanted to sell a lot

How much is "a lot?"

And yes, perhaps I did "leave out" the fitness aspect of the device, the amazing "heart rate" monitor that I'm sure so many of it's users are able to gain so much knowledge from that it justifies such an expensive accessory.. But even it's impact you must admit is hardly overwhelming, in any regard. One must just look to the fact that Apple, in its presentation, actually tried to sell the "fitness aspect" of the device by showing all of the amazing "badges" and "awards" one might "earn" as it tracks an individual's fitness levels. Doesn't that really say it all?

I use the fitness features every day, and it's made a substantial impact on my day to day exercise. I'm more active than ever.

But in getting people to buy a watch who don't normally wear one and weren't planning on purchasing one.. I think you know where I stand.

Before I bought an Apple Watch, I didn't wear watches. Now I can't leave home without it.

The whole cave thing. Don't be so defensive.. I think my social group, and inner circle, is and was the main group Apple is/was targeting, and none of my friends have one. Not a single one.

I have a tremendous amount of doubt that Apple solely targeted your limited set of friends. For the record, both of my sisters, my girlfriend, and multiple friends of mine own Apple Watches. It's really crazy how anecdotal evidence works, huh?

 

[JustThinkin']

Why else would BB be stocking the AW in so many stores if its not doing well?

Is BB doing well? I would think their business is still facing challenges.

Either way, it could be a "speculative" investment on the part of BB. How many interesting new products are there this year anyway? This is something to showcase.


I think they and Apple are hoping it becomes something big for Christmas this year - since the Apple watch wasn't available last year during the holiday shopping season. The risk is relatively small for BB anyway - it's Apple who's on the hook if the Watch doesn't sell well in Q4.

BB benefits even if it sells poorly, because the Watch and the new Apple displays will enhance their image. It will drive more customers to the store, who will then buy other products.

 

[ActionableMango]

Just don't leave your iPhone at home...

That's a given whether you have the watch or not.

 

[Joshwa1]

I bought mine at best buy. I had a 10% off coupon so I saved $70 on my Milanese loop plus I used my bb credit card and got 5% back. Pretty good deal.

 

[ctdonath]

I buy a watch every 3-5 years and spend around $3-400 anyway. So I have no problem spending $500 on a watch

I have a "buck a day" rule: if I really do use something every day, and it costs under $1/day thru expected use period, then yes it is cheap and worthwhile. Your $500/5yrs = $0.28/day. As an iOS developer I'll need more frequent updates, so $400/2yrs = $0.55/day. Yeah it's worth a couple quarters a day.

 

[superliu]

Seeing them in the wild was just to illustrate my point that Apple is not selling as many as they anticipated.. The reason I'm not buying one is because I'm not willing to spend 500 on a notifications wrist computer that has no real independent function. I mean, the device needs ANOTHER device to actually operate. And even when you have the other device making the Apple Watch (accessory) operable, what does it really do? It sends notifications, allows you to look at pictures on a smaller screen (why would you?), allows you to draw messages to another with the device (why would you?), allows you to talk to another person through the device (why would you?), allows you to respond to a text message with some sort of canned response (why would you?).

We can agree to disagree on the function of the device, but please don't say the reason I'm not interested in the product is because other people aren't buying it. The reason I'm not buying it, and the reason I'm not seeing many (any?) in the wild is because its an expensive flawed product that serves no real independent purpose. I don't spend money just to spend it.

"Apple is not selling as many as they anticipated.." how would you know what they anticipated? If anything, I'd argue it's better than what they anticipated, given that they only just caught up with demand - means they anticipated it would sell less, other wise they would have manufactured more, they have the money to do so.

They sold $1 billion watches, we don't know how many watches that represent, but $1 billion is pretty good isn't it? So I don't think it's flawed. oh and that's $1 billion in a quarter. 3 months, $1 billion there's a handful of companies in the worth that can make that sort of money, let alone just 1 product.

It's funny, cause I don't use any of the functions you mentioned. Here's what I used the watch for.
1. To tell the time (and before you laugh, how much is the watch you are wearing now? My other non-smart watches cost ~ $300 each so it doesn't make the $500 asking price too bad)
2. The watch tracks my heart rates - i do a lot of sports so having a device that tracks my activities is quite cool, do I need it - no, but it's cool to know my average heart rate, my calories etc. which are things i can't do with just the phone.
3. Never miss a call again - I used to miss calls while the phone vibrate in my pocket, but now i get notified on my wrist so i can't miss it. On a few occasions i couldn't get to my phone (driving and the phone was in my jacket in the back seat, or showering, or in my bag while i am biking), so i answer the call on the watch - not to have a long conversation, but enough to know why the person called and for me to say i will call them back.
4. Check the weather - it's good to know the temperature at a glance and the weather forecast with a touch rather than pulling the phone out. It's Calgary here, we went within 5 days from 35+ degrees people getting heat stroke to 3 degrees and snows. so i check the weather daily if not hourly
5. And is a fashion statement - which is subjective, and also why it good that the watch is not everywhere. I want enough people to use it so there's app being developed, but not enough that it's everywhere.

I am not trying to argue with you. But i think the watch is like the first iphone where people asked why do you want the internet on a 3 inch device? why would you type on a virtual keyboard? A phone where the battery only last 1 day wtf? I am sure the list can go on, but the point is once you use the watch you will find features you like, it will make certain things easier, and then you can never go back. So don't doubt it too much until you used it for a while.

 

[Mactendo]

bought mine the other day at Apple. 42mm space gray. This thing is awesome!!!1!

Tim, I thought we decided to stay incognito here?
Ive.

 

[MrX8503]

Ok, but don't you think there can be a CurrentC Watch app?

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying CurrentC is as good as ApplePay, just that I'm happy to use it if I can do it on my Watch.

And if I was really worried about hacking my accounts I wouldn't use any online banking and would move to a shack in Montana (no offense intended to people living in shacks in Montana)

Not many (if any) retailers will ask you for your bank account and SSN. I wouldn't give this to any business (except banks, no that doesn't include PayPal), no matter the convenience.

 

[superliu]

I have a "buck a day" rule: if I really do use something every day, and it costs under $1/day thru expected use period, then yes it is cheap and worthwhile. Your $500/5yrs = $0.28/day. As an iOS developer I'll need more frequent updates, so $400/2yrs = $0.55/day. Yeah it's worth a couple quarters a day.

That's not a bad rule. but can it work? I drive my cars every day, but i have to pay more than a buck a day. I also use my coffee mug everyday, but there's no way I'd pay a buck a day for it. So where does the apple watch fall between a coffee mug and a car?

 

[superliu]

Perhaps you don't remember the hype surrounding the event when the watch was launched. Perhaps you don't remember the marketing blitz Apple went on (that has slowed down considerably I might add) to try and convince people to purchase the device. Perhaps you don't remember the amount of hysteria leading up the build up of Apple revealing its next big thing... So, I think Apple wanted to sell a lot, but they were unsure, and that's why they stuck the Watch in the "other" category in its financials instead of as a separate device. Because they knew of the products many and substantial headwinds.

And yes, perhaps I did "leave out" the fitness aspect of the device, the amazing "heart rate" monitor that I'm sure so many of it's users are able to gain so much knowledge from that it justifies such an expensive accessory.. But even it's impact you must admit is hardly overwhelming, in any regard. One must just look to the fact that Apple, in its presentation, actually tried to sell the "fitness aspect" of the device by showing all of the amazing "badges" and "awards" one might "earn" as it tracks an individual's fitness levels. Doesn't that really say it all?

I guess I'll try and explain my view to you like this. It's a watch. It tells time really well. How "beautiful" it is is hardly objective, and is completely subjective. Some may like it, others may not. The materials of the device I think are good. The design of the device is decent, at least when comparing it to other smart watches. It still has the problems of every other smart watch, i.e., it's not thin enough. So if a person is in the market for a watch in the 500-1000 dollar range, and they aren't able to score a good deal on a quality time piece that may last for generations, then I can see the appeal in purchasing one. But in getting people to buy a watch who don't normally wear one and weren't planning on purchasing one.. I think you know where I stand.

The whole cave thing. Don't be so defensive.. I think my social group, and inner circle, is and was the main group Apple is/was targeting, and none of my friends have one. Not a single one.

I don't understand what you are trying to say. So based on the hype Apple generated (which one can argue it's the media creating that hype and not Apple), how many watch should they have sold? Again, they generated $1 billion in 3 months.

Putting the watch in the 'other' category is hide the number of watches they sold from the competitors. If they told us how many watches they sold, but put the revenue in the other then I'd find it strange, but the fact that they are so reluctant to say how many watches they sold automatically means they have to hide the numbers by putting it in the 'other' category.

You again mention how other people (namely your friends) hasn't got the watch yet. How should that affect your decision, even though you told me it's not about others. So you will wait until all your friends get one before you feel comfortable getting one?

I think Apple made it quite clear it's a health/fitness watch and try to promote it to those people.

And sorry i get quite annoy by people who don't wear a watch. They are the people who are always 5-10 mins late to meetings, or don't care about time/deadlines. Yes, you can read the time from your phone, but if you care about the time enough you would wear a watch.

If you don't do any sports and don't care about timekeeping, then yes an apple watch is worthless to you. And i don't think Apple is targeting the watch at you. I mean they didn't go "don't exercise? exercise now!" or "don't read time? read the time now!" It's more like here's a beautiful watch to replace your existing watch. Here's a device to record your the activities you already do.

 

[aront]

Everyone who hates, posts here.

Everyone else checks out the watch online, at Best Buy, at Apple Stores, and buys them.

Best Buy has access to actual sales data, or they wouldn't be buying in.

Haters have access to an online forum. That's all.

Everyone who unconditionally praises, blindly promotes, and lays on the heavy Apple apologetics posts here.

Everyone else checks out the watch online, at Best Buy, at Apple Stores, and does not buy it; or buys, then later returns after realizing the mistake and hype.

Best Buy has access to actual dismal sales data, but despite this, they have to buy in anyway because they're forced to as an Apple retailer.

Apple PR/marketing representatives have access to an online forum. That's all.

 

[Jax44]

Umm... No. With the iPhone I saw the potential. I didn't buy until the 3G because $600 for a phone with web apps & 2G speeds was silly. There's nothing. NOTHING, confirmed, speculated or dreamed, that makes a future Apple Watch appealing for me to buy. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

Yes, there is that other guy also.

 

[HowEver]

A dozen likes in a few hours. Nice : )

Everyone who hates, posts here.

Everyone else checks out the watch online, at Best Buy, at Apple Stores, and buys them.

Best Buy has access to actual sales data, or they wouldn't be buying in.

Haters have access to an online forum. That's all.

 

[Reds622]

I don't understand what you are trying to say. So based on the hype Apple generated (which one can argue it's the media creating that hype and not Apple), how many watch should they have sold? Again, they generated $1 billion in 3 months.

Putting the watch in the 'other' category is hide the number of watches they sold from the competitors. If they told us how many watches they sold, but put the revenue in the other then I'd find it strange, but the fact that they are so reluctant to say how many watches they sold automatically means they have to hide the numbers by putting it in the 'other' category.

You again mention how other people (namely your friends) hasn't got the watch yet. How should that affect your decision, even though you told me it's not about others. So you will wait until all your friends get one before you feel comfortable getting one?

I think Apple made it quite clear it's a health/fitness watch and try to promote it to those people.

And sorry i get quite annoy by people who don't wear a watch. They are the people who are always 5-10 mins late to meetings, or don't care about time/deadlines. Yes, you can read the time from your phone, but if you care about the time enough you would wear a watch.

If you don't do any sports and don't care about timekeeping, then yes an apple watch is worthless to you. And i don't think Apple is targeting the watch at you. I mean they didn't go "don't exercise? exercise now!" or "don't read time? read the time now!" It's more like here's a beautiful watch to replace your existing watch. Here's a device to record your the activities you already do.

You lost me at all people who don't wear watches are late.. And you seemed to have missed most of the points of my post., and I am in no mood to hold your hand and explain them to you.

About this whole helping competitor thing.. Can someone please explain to me how announcing how it would help competitors to announce how many Apple Watches were sold? Apple knows the market would look at the number of watches sold, instead of how much revenue was created, so they are trying to hide the number to minimize the impact in the markets.

Seems to me that if Apple told you the World was flat, you would believe them. I love Apple just as much as the next guy, but lets get real about some of the questionable decisions that have been made over the past 2-3 years (all Mac computers no longer upgradeable, Apple Watch, Beats Purchase, Quality of Keynote Presenters outside of Craig Fed. and maybe Phil S., questionable new hires, doubling down on China, etc). Tim Cook is a great great executive. But there have been a few eyebrow raising decisions made, IMO. I'm not any less of a fan of the company because I don't swoon over every product announcement, no matter what.

 

[Jax44]

No they haven't. They've had a lot of dud products through their history, and the Watch falls into that category.

Getting this product into 1000+ stores will help inflate some sales numbers, but the inventory risk to Best Buy must be getting subsidized in some way. It can be hard to get a chain to stock crappy products without the reduction of financial risk.

They carry Samsung...

They must be reducing risk quite heavily.