Best Buy has responded to a circulating rumor that suggested it was no longer selling the iPad 2 after Apple objected to its practice of withholding the popular tablet from walk-in customers. The electronics retailer responded via a PR agent and confirmed it is withholding the tablet device, but is doing so with the Cupertino company’s blessing for an upcoming promotion.
“Best Buy continues to receive iPad 2 inventory from Apple on a regular basis. As we’ve said previously, we are fulfilling customer reservations first. Our stores have been asked to temporarily hold non-reserved iPad 2 inventory for an upcoming promotion. This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints. Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple, and we’re delighted by customer response to iPad 2.”
Rather than some nefarious plot to regulate sales and a juicy dispute between two major US companies, this rumor was merely a standard practice of Best Buy that was apparently sanctioned by Apple. The biggest news from this statement is the admission that the big box retailer is going to have a promotion on the popular tablet and should have plenty of units on hands as it is already stockpiling them for this sales event.
[Via Electronista]