by Luke Johnson 01 April 2015 |
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Carphone Warehouse has confirmed it will not stock the Apple Watch at launch, despite wishing to bolster its wearable efforts.
With the techy timepiece set to go on sale later this month, the UK’s largest phone retailer has revealed its smartwatch stocking plans have been hampered by the cold shoulder of Apple.
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, Carphone Warehouse UK CEO, Graham Stapleton stated: “We would love to be able to stock the Apple Watch.”
He added: “I’ve got to be careful what I say but I think they are just going another way with it. We have not been given the opportunity.”
Despite confirming the high-profile snub, Stapleton has failed to give reasons why Apple will not allow Carphone to offer the Apple Watch alongside its hearty collection of iPhone deals.
It is also currently unclear if the retailer will be afforded Apple Watch stock post launch.
Instead of sticking with traditional retail channels, Apple is looking to push its pricey wearable out through a range of high-end sellers.
As well as offering the full array of Apple Watch options – from the £299 base-level Apple Watch Sport to the £13,500 Apple Watch Edition – through its own retail outlets, Apple has confirmed plans for pop-up shops in fashion houses such as Oxford Street’s Selfridges.
Despite having “not been given the opportunity” to stock the Apple Watch, Stapleton confirmed that Carphone stores will continue to devote more retail space to wearables, including the Moto 360 and Samsung Gear S.
Related: Apple Watch release date
There will be 38 different Apple Watch variations available on day one, with each of the three models to be offered in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm.
Each of these will be paired with a selection of strap options.
Apple Watch pre-orders will open on April 10 ahead of an in-store release two weeks later.