More products are getting the chance to see the spotlight with the new layout that’s scheduled to appear in Apple retail stores. One of the most significant tweaks is moving the iPod to the accessory aisle, according a report from 9to5Mac.
Quoting from several Apple Retail managers, the news include a major change in the iPod’s status; stored in the back room in the company of other iconic products – think iPhones and iPads – the customer had to request it from the sales rep.
But starting next Wednesday, the iPod will join other products in the accessory section, where potential customers can just pick one on their own. Before the iPhone and iPad came along and really put Apple on the map, iPod was the star product; but it has become gradually less significant, accounting just for a slim slice of sales.
In spite of the iPod Touch upgrade – Apple endowed it with an 8-megapixel camera back in July, in addition to a faster 64-bit processor – the demotion to the accessory rack remained in plan. Even so, this could be a good thing for sales, as it increases the chance an iPod product would catch the eye of more customers.
Another change that will soon be visible in the Apple Stores is the removal of the iPad 2 Smart Signs. Remember when Apple shops poster boards and paper signs to advertise and inform about their products?
Us neither, because ever since 2011 – which is still a long time ago – Apple decided to replace those signs with non-working iPad 2 devices, whose sole purpose was to display product information. They quickly became known as Smart Signs, but according 9to5Mac, they would confuse some customers who kept trying them out as any other product in the store.
Apple thought to get rid of the confusion by simply advertising and giving pricing information on the screens of iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. Removing the Smart Signs is also a revamping move designed to allow more room for products that consumers can test in the store.
If you want to see the changes for yourself, make sure to visit an Apple Store on Wednesday, August 26.
Image Source: Innovative Retail Technologies