If the granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and “breathtaking water views” don’t sell you on moving into East Beach Marina Apartments, maybe the offer of a free Apple Watch will.
Just lease one and move in by the end of July, and you’ll nab a free Apple wearable that will help turn you into the perfect neighbor.
Like banks handing out free toasters, apartment complexes have long beckoned renters with sweet move-in deals like a free month’s rent. But this Apple Watch offer seems designed to reinforce the luxury lifestyle being peddled by the East Beach Marina Apartments in Norfolk, Virginia.
“Get on the East Beach Marina Apartment level with the latest Apple technology,” the apartment complex’s website says. “Imagine exchanging emojis with your neighbors. As if it could get any better — we’ve brought in our best team to ensure that this Norfolk luxury development is like no other.”
The one-bedroom rentals go for $1,177, which is a steal by San Francisco standards. And the East Beach Marina website also says new renters can land the (much more common) free rent offer.
“Free Apple Watch + free first month rent,” says the site. “Yes, read that once more! We are giving away one Apple Watch and up to $2,045 in free rent each time a new resident moves in by July 31st.”
I’m not so sure Apple design whiz Jony Ive would approve of the “lush bedroom carpet” in the apartments, which apparently comes in drab beige, but you’ve got to give East Beach Marina credit for trying. Like Apple, they’re selling a lifestyle — just ask them.
What does this mean for Apple Watch, which has gone from sold-out tech bauble to apartment-hawking freebie in just a few months?
It’s either a strong case for the Apple Watch as status signifier or a sad tale of a wearable that’s failed to gain mainstream traction.
Perhaps Apple CEO Tim Cook will give us a bit of guidance on just where, exactly, Apple Watch sales fall on the spectrum of white hot to bleak during tomorrow’s conference call, but don’t hold your breath.
P.S. East Beach Marina is also not above “borrowing” photos from Apple news sites — does the first picture on their Craigslist post look familiar? Frankly, if they’re going to swipe Cult of Mac photos, we really wish they’d use the higher-resolution files. Makes everything seem a lot more high-tone.
