Apple to open dedicated Apple Watch display in Paris – report

20 Feb 2015

The forthcoming Apple Watch

Consumer tech giant Apple is plotting a dedicated display for its soon-to-be-launched Apple Watch in one of Paris’ most upscale retail locations.

That’s according to unconfirmed reports in France that claim Apple Retail senior vice-president Angela Ahrendts has been directing the construction of the booth at retailer Galeries Lafayette on Champs-Elysées.

Sources close to 9to5Mac have also claimed Apple is considering opening dedicated Apple Watch retail stores in the future if the demand is there.

Apple is putting a great deal of focus into ensuring the retail side of the latest hardware’s launch goes smoothly. In December, it was revealed the company was hiring sales staff with a “fashion or luxury background” for its retail stores.

The Apple Watch is due to launch in April. The company’s Chinese suppliers have been told to cater for an initial launch of 6m units at the most, which will be split among its three different models: the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition.

The entry-level Apple Watch Sport is expected to account for more than half of the total production followed by the mid-priced Apple Watch accounting for a third of production, with the plush 18-carat gold Apple Watch Edition to be produced in the smallest amount, but still accounting for about 1m devices.

Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch in September, calling it “the most personal product we’ve ever made”.

Dean Van Nguyen was a contributor to Silicon Republic

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