Analysts think
Apple could eventually
sell some Macs in Wal-Mart supermarkets alongside its more traditional stores,
analysts think.
Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes asserted in a research
note that this would significantly increase distribution and unit
shipments. He said that to do that Apple would need to reposition its line-up
first, but it was common sense that it was something that Jobs' Mob will do
it.
Apple has been making closer ties to Wal-Mart and more of its accessories
are showing up on Wal-Mart shelves after a successful launch of the iPhone in
the discount retail giant's stores. Wal-Mart is a big peddler of
iPods.
Wal-Mart is not going to want Apple's top of the range machines and so
Jobs' Mob is going to have to create a product which costs less than $1000 to go
along with the $599 Mac Mini and entry level $999 MacBook.
Reitzes expects a
pilot program first. But he adds that "if done right.we believe that Wal-Mart
would clearly benefit Apple due to increased distribution," while "Wal-Mart's
brand would likely see a boost in its attempt to compete with Best Buy."
