Apple launches hybrid retail for US iPhone sales

Sometimes you just want to speak with someone. Apple has gotten even more omnichannel-friendly with the introduction of direct video chats with sales people for people shopping for iPhones online at the US Apple Store.

Meet people, online!

The idea, the remote equivalent of visiting a store and chatting with a staff member, means customers can get a direct connection for help and advice. Though only for iPhone sales at present.

Called, descriptively if not especially imaginatively, “Shop with a Specialist over Video”, customers can speak with a retail team member using a safe and secure, one-way video shopping session.

Which means you can see them, but they don’t see you.

You can look at the latest devices, learn about trade ins and ask the same questions as you might if visiting a store.

What Apple said

Apple head of Retail Online, Karen Rasmussen, explained that the new sales strand reflects Apple’s effort to, “deliver an even more personalized experience for our customers, meeting them where they are to deliver the best of Apple.”

Customers can visit apple.com/shop/buy-iphone, and click to connect with an Apple Specialist for expert advice on selecting the best iPhone model. You can even look at Apple’s new yellow iPhone, which hit stores today.

The service doesn’t offer everything everywhere all at once.

At present it’s limited to iPhone sales, available only in the US and available solely between 7am and 7pm.

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