Could it be possible? Would they really do this? Would the elite Apple go so far in their quest to dominate the smart phone market that they would offer a 4GB iPhone via the world’s largest retailer? The rumor started last month with an article on The Boy Genius Report blog, which reportedly had some insider information. We’ll take a look at the alleged insider memo and analyze the potential truthfulness of this rumor after the jump.
First, let’s be clear about one thing: neither Apple nor Walmart have officially announced any plans to sell the iPhone in any model at the retail giant’s stores. However, we do know that Apple expanded its retail presence to include Best Buy back in August of this year. So what is to prevent it from utilizing the distribution system of Walmart and Sam’s Clubs nationwide to grab more of the smart phone market share? Nothing, in my opinion.
Perhaps the conundrum is centered around the pricing issue. Walmart likes to offer it’s products at a reduced price from the manufacturer’s suggested retail on almost everything they have to offer. After all, low prices are what they are known for. They already offer the Google G1 phone at a $30 discount at over 500 locations, as reported by Engadget blog back in October.
While some were expecting an announcement from either Apple or Walmart today on the $99 iPhone offer at Walmart, according to the memo below, we should definitely know something by December 28th, as that is when the offer is scheduled to start. My only question would be, why wait until after Christmas to offer the best deal ever on one of the hottest tech products on the market?
The actual pricing isn’t mentioned, but below is the internal memo (as reported by Boy Genius Report) for you to examine and make your own determination.
We are pleased to announce that Wal-Mart has reached agreement with Apple to offer iPhone 3G in Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart-managed Sam’s Club* Connection Centers nationwide beginning December 28, 2008. AT&T will support Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club with the activation process for iPhone 3G, and we need all National Retail employees engaged to ensure a successful launch.
*NOTE: This product launch DOES NOT apply to SC Kiosks within Sam’s Club managed by Radio Shack.
Wal-Mart has communicated the following launch plans and execution timeline to their employees:
- iPhone 3G will be available in-store only beginning 12/28/08
- New and existing customers in good standing can purchase iPhone 3G with a 2 year contract
- iPhone 3G transactions only will be processed through POS.com, not the kiosk
Execution Timeline:
- 12/2 – 12/5: AT&T / Wal-Mart MEM Classroom Training for Store Leads
- 12/3 – 12/19: AT&T In-Store Training
- 12/26 – 12/27: AT&T In-Store Refresher Training
- 12/28: Nationwide Launch
- 12/28 – 12/30: Wal-Mart and AT&T War Room Support
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