As Apple’s retail operations approach its 10th anniversary, one analyst points to the iPad as the latest product to spike visits to 323 stores worldwide. Despite its heavy presence online, the Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant in March reported a higher percentage of revenue growth from retail sales compared to overall figures.
Apple retail sales hit $3.19 billion during the March quarter – a 90 percent increase – compared to 86 percent overall, according to Needham & Co. analyst Charlie Wolf.
Wolf also found interest in Apple retail locations rise in tandem with new products. A 2006 spike in retail visits came during the apex of interest surrounding the iPod. Another jump in Apple retail traffic in 2008 closely followed the iPhone’s introduction. Likewise, a third-quarter 2010 rise in Apple retail shopping coincided with the iPad’s release.
In a Tuesday note to investors, the analyst noted a deceptive drop in the percentage of revenue accounted for by Apple retail efforts. Apple stores were 12.9 percent of global revenues during the March quarter, down from a high of 21.6 percent in the second quarter of 2008. The disparity is due to the expanded distribution network Apple has developed, encompassing Apple retail locations, increased carrier partners and more big-box stores, such as Walmart and Best Buy.
To commemorate retail’s 10th anniversary on May 19th, Apple is reportedly preparing to celebrate its 1 billionth customer. The company launched its first stores in May 2001 and is expected to open 40 new locations this year. In a sign that Apple retailing will continue to gather steam internationally, Wolf writes Apple’s retailing progress will “continue on a roll.”
