Apple’s new interactive iPad 2 displays, implemented into stores as part of a retail overhaul, will not only foster interested and sales for the tablet, but according to one analyst, will also save Apple a lot of money in the long run.
Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White sent a note to investors on Monday commenting on Apple’s recent retail overhaul, in which Apple upgraded it’s stores in a number of dimensions, now utilizing iPad 2’s in place of product display sheets. White said he believes the introduction of iPads into the retail experience will take Apple’s already highly successful stores “to the next level.”
“Additionally, we believe this initiative will ultimately save Apple money, as the iPad 2 product displays can be refreshed much faster and cheaper versus printing, a concept that other retails could implement.”
White visited Apple’s flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City, where he said about 150 iPad 2 displays were already set up. In addition, some employees were also utilizing iPad 2 units, as employees have been equipped with new RetailMe software.
Apple said in its most recent quarterly earnings report that it had 323 total stores at the end of the March quarter, with average revenue of $9.9 million per store, a year-over-year increase of 90 percent. The company expects to open 40 new stores in its fiscal year 2011, with nearly three-quarters of those stores located outside of the U.S.
Image: @leoleakey
