iPhone Duo Launch Draws Crowds as Retail Stock Runs Low
Long lines formed at Apple Stores for the first foldable iPhone, but walk-in shoppers found inventory was scarce.
By Miguel Hernandez ·
If you were hoping to walk into an Apple Store today and buy an iPhone Duo, you likely ran into a crowd and then a wall. Long lines formed outside Apple Stores around the world beginning overnight Friday, October 23, as people queued up for the new device. While stores were filled with customers, Apple Store workers are telling disappointed shoppers that walk-in inventory is running low, directing them to check the Apple Store app tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET for details on in-store stock.
Apple's retail locations were the center of the action on Friday, October 23. Stores across the globe opened their doors to crowds of people who had waited to experience the device. Apple confirmed in a press release that customers filled its locations to receive hands-on demos of the foldable iPhone and to get personalized shopping support from team members.
Apple warned ahead of time that inventory at retail stores would be limited. That warning appears to have been accurate, as store workers are reporting that walk-in availability is scarce.
The launch is being marked by high-profile executives at key locations. Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, is at the flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York. He is joined there by retail executive Vanessa Trigub.
In Austin, Texas, Apple CEO John Ternus is celebrating the launch at the Apple Domain NORTHSIDE location with retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. Ternus toured Apple's offices in Austin earlier this week. The timing in Austin is notable, as the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is also taking place in the city this weekend. Apple is the exclusive Formula 1 streamer in the US.
For shoppers who missed out on a walk-in purchase, the path to getting a device is to check the Apple Store app tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET. That is when Apple will provide information on in-store inventory.
Apple has published images from launch events around the world, and readers have shared pictures of their own from local Apple Stores.
Source: 9to5Mac
