Apple Inc. Hires More Fashion Pros Before ‘iWatch’ Launch

Updated on

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is hiring retail experts with fashion and luxury backgrounds ahead of the Apple Watch release. The iPhone maker is positioning its smartwatch not merely as a technology wearable and a phone accessory, but also as a piece of jewelry the fashion world will applaud.

Is Apple planning changes in-store

A report from 9To5 Mac citing internal hiring documents says the company is recruiting retail executives this month, indicating that Apple Stores will witness some changes before the release in early 2015. Retail head Angela Ahrendts is probably preparing to transform Apple Stored into jewelry stores. Not only is Apple making efforts on the hiring front to give the Apple Watch a fashion and luxury label, there are speculations that 2015 will bring some substantial changes in existing retail stores.

Apple unveiled its smartwatch during an event in Colette. The Apple Watch will be available in 38mm and 42mm sizes with finishes of stainless steel, space black stainless steel, silver aluminum, space gray aluminum, 18-karat yellow gold, and 18-karat rose gold, six distinctive band styles, and in different colors.

Apple Watch will require more space

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company did talk about the customization of the Apple Watch, which will be a key to position it as a fashion wearable. In October while speaking at the San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art, Apple SVP of Design Jony Ive detailed the need for different designs for the Apple Watch. He said people expect choice in wearables, and only in prison do people all wear the same things.

This means Apple Watch buyers will get an array of choices to select from, but Apple will need more space to display the watches in its store compared to the other products it released in only three colors.

It could be possible that Apple will put the watches on display behind glass in Apple store-style tables. Also in another arrangement, potential customers could be allowed to try the entry-level smartwatches and keep the higher version of the gadget under supervision, offering for a trial on request. The prices of different versions will be significant. Whichever display style it selects, the iPhone maker will definitely try to level its watch against luxury brands.

Leave a Comment