Apple apparently ordered all major e-tailers in Japan to stop taking online orders. Many e-tailers listed Apple products as “out of stock” whereas retailers like Yodobashi Camera claimed that Apple’s wishes did not allow them to fulfill online orders. Consumers wanting to buy Apple products need to rush to retailers’ shops.
While Apple has not stated the exact reason, few believe that Apple is trying to protect its premium brand image. Time and again, many electronic retailers have cut Apple product prices on their websites to clear stock and this did not go well with them.
“Apple believes price cuts can lead to damage to the company’s image.”
We’re not sure what led Apple to take such a step but it doesn’t seem to “avoid price competition” as one economic law professor reckons.
[Via Mainichi]
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