Best Buy has announced that the Apple Watch will be available in its online store, as well as some U.S. retail stores, beginning August 7th.
Starting with 100 stores and expanding to 300 over the next few months, the company will offer 16 models from the aluminum Apple Watch Sport and stainless steel Apple Watch collections, as well as nearly 50 accessories including stands and watch bands.
“The Apple Watch is an important addition to an emerging product category, and we know our customers want it,” said Jason Bonfig, senior category officer at Best Buy. “We are excited to bring Apple Watch to more consumers, especially with the holidays coming up.”
An Apple spokesperson, in a statement to iMore, indicated the reason for the expanded availability:
“Customers love Apple Watch, and we are thrilled to begin offering it at Best Buy locations across the U.S. starting August 7,” an Apple spokesperson told iMore. “More than 300 Best Buy stores will carry Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport models in time for the holiday shopping season.”
Currently, the Apple Watch is available in 19 countries. The Watch will rollout to an additional three countries – New Zealand, Russia, and Turkey – on Friday.