While Apple Stores are generally impressive from a store-design standpoint, they are designed for displaying tablets and computers, not for letting people try on a portable device to see how "comfortable" it is or what it feels like. If Apple wants to display its new tech effectively, it is going to have to change things in its stores.
And change things they did. Apple will be adding some new initiatives and features to Apple stores on April 10, when the Apple Watch becomes available for preview. 9to5Mac was able to get access to Apple's upcoming retail plans and give readers a preview.
First off, every Apple Store will have at least 10 try-on stations, where customers can go through a guided process to determine if the watch is good for them. Customers who want to get a look at the Apple Watch will only have 15 minutes to try on the device, though. The process will be guided and very specific, so that customers get the best perspective on the device. While an appointment isn't required when previewing the Apple Watch, it will be required during the busier periods. While it's unclear at this time how one would schedule these appointments, early reports predict that the Apple Store will use the same text message-based appointment system they use to set up meetings at the Genius Bar.
During the period between April 10 and April 24, Apple will reallocate between 75 and 90 percent of their employees to one of these customer groups, so that the stores can handle all Apple Watch-related requests as quickly possible. Apple Store employees will be organized into four separate groups so they can provide the best possible experience and be as knowledgeable as possible about their subset of the Apple Watch buying process.
First, there's the set that assists customers with trying on the watch. Then there's the set that handles sales. The store will have two different lines for Apple Watch customers: those who know which watch they want and those who don't. This set of sales reps are trained to help customers choose the best possible product and make sure it's all solid. Thirdly, there's the group who will answer questions about the Apple Watch and make sure the customer knows everything he or she needs to know. Finally, there are the sales reps who handle the Apple Watch Edition. These reps, who are trained as "experts," will be employees who have been with the company for a substantial amount of time and have received additional customer service training. However, these reps will only be appear in select stores, just like the Apple Watch Edition.
The Apple Watch will be available for purchase on April 24
