Costco has reportedly reached a deal with Apple to sell iPhones and iPads. The company stopped selling iPods and iTunes Store gift cards back in 2010 but now it appears as though it will begin selling Apple's mobile devices in its wireless kiosks.
MacRumors obtained an email from Dan Brettler, founder and CEO of Car Toys and its Wireless Advocates subsidiary, which handles wireless sales for Costco. The email reveals some details about the new partnership.
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Wireless Advocates Team,
I am extremely excited to share the news of a new partnership between Apple Inc. and Costco Wholesale. This partnership will bring a top selling line-up of Apple products to Costco members including the iPhone and embedded iPads. As Costco's solution for wireless devices and services, we are proud to be a part of this new partnership and incorporate Apple products into our already strong product line-up in Costco.
We already know Apple products. They are not new to our business. We currently sell Apple products in two of our three enterprise channels (Car Toys and Military). We already have a great business partnership with them and this new opportunity strengthens that relationship. They are valuable to our long-term success and growth in our space. This initiative will accelerate same store sales through performance gains and new products and services, as well as enhance our strategic partnership with our suppliers. This is critical to the overall success of "Our 5 Strategic Business Initiatives".
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Brettler says there a lot of "backend work and physical kiosk work" to be completed still and didn't offer a timeline; however, there are reports that Costco has started selling iTunes Store gift cards already.
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MacRumors obtained an email from Dan Brettler, founder and CEO of Car Toys and its Wireless Advocates subsidiary, which handles wireless sales for Costco. The email reveals some details about the new partnership.
-----
Wireless Advocates Team,
I am extremely excited to share the news of a new partnership between Apple Inc. and Costco Wholesale. This partnership will bring a top selling line-up of Apple products to Costco members including the iPhone and embedded iPads. As Costco's solution for wireless devices and services, we are proud to be a part of this new partnership and incorporate Apple products into our already strong product line-up in Costco.
We already know Apple products. They are not new to our business. We currently sell Apple products in two of our three enterprise channels (Car Toys and Military). We already have a great business partnership with them and this new opportunity strengthens that relationship. They are valuable to our long-term success and growth in our space. This initiative will accelerate same store sales through performance gains and new products and services, as well as enhance our strategic partnership with our suppliers. This is critical to the overall success of "Our 5 Strategic Business Initiatives".
-----
Brettler says there a lot of "backend work and physical kiosk work" to be completed still and didn't offer a timeline; however, there are reports that Costco has started selling iTunes Store gift cards already.
Read More