Apple’s retail stores are going even more omni-channel

Apple goes even more omnichannel..

Apple has tweaked the way it sells iPhones and iPads, at least in the U.S., an while these changes seem quite minor the company issued a press release to share them all:

What’s new?

Apple’s gone big on the omnichannel. The sales experience can now start on the phone, online or in-store.

• Getting your hands on your new product can be in store or via contactless delivery, including curbside so you don’t need to leave your vehicle.
• Apple Specialists are available via all these channels to help, advise and share tips.
• Carrier offers (AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint, Verizon are now available in-store, with savings up to $800.

Apple continues to offer online personal sessions in which a Specialist will help them set their new product up, and continues to offer trade-in deals of up to $500 credit toward new products.

Customers can check apple.com/retail for services available at their local store.

What Apple is saying

Apple’s always been a player in retail so it’s not such a huge surprise the company seeks to optimize the experience more by making its physical retails an optional add-on to an increasingly digital sales journey.

“There’s never been a better time to get a new iPhone, and there’s never been a better destination than Apple Retail,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People.

“We’re offering new ways for our customers to get to know all of our products before they buy, so they can be sure to get the product that’s right for them. Whether our customers choose to connect with us in person, by phone, or online, our entire retail team is ready to deliver the world-class personalized service they’ve come to expect from Apple.”

What else is new?

A new store concept, Shopping Sessions let customers book one-on-one sessions with a Specialist at an Apple Store for personalized help selecting a new product, carrier plan, or financing option. The same expert advice is also available online.

Contactless delivery is available for all products, including iPhone and iPad. Delivery drivers may ask for verbal confirmation from a safe distance, replacing the need for a physical signature.

Apple Card customers in the US get 3 percent Daily Cash back when they buy directly from Apple and have the option to choose Apple Card Monthly Installments so they can pay over time, interest-free.

Open for business, mostly

The press release reassures that most Apple Store locations worldwide are open and operating in various service models to protect the health and well-being of customers and employees.

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