Retailer to offer new Apple tablet in 500 U.S. locations.
RadioShack Corp. said it will start selling the iPad 2 beginning today at 500 locations, marking the latest retailer to offer Apple Inc.'s hottest device.
RadioShack joins other retailers that already have been selling the device since its release more than two weeks ago. Best Buy Co. Inc., Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., as well as Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, and AT&T outlets sell the second-generation iPad, which continues to face inventory shortages.
RadioShack said it will sell the iPad 2 at the same prices that Apple already offers. A company spokesperson didn't say why its expected iPad 2 launch failed to coincide with the product's main release on March 11.
The deal is a coup for Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack, which has transformed its operations from an all-purpose tech store to a more narrowly focused mobile-device retailer. The company has seen its stock price slump in recent months amid margin pressures from its disappointing T-Mobile business, increased competition and weakness related to its kiosk business.
RadioShack currently sells some Apple products, including the iPod and AT&T-powered iPhone, in its flagship stores. It also sells both the AT&T and Verizon iPhones in its Target Mobile kiosks.
Apple confirmed RadioShack will start selling the iPad 2 on Tuesday but wouldn't comment on further distribution plans with any additional partners.
Demand for the iPad 2 appears to be strong, although Apple hasn't disclosed sales figures for the device, which went on sale in 25 countries on Friday. Last week Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said "We're experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the U.S."
Retailers around the world have experienced constrained supplies of the iPad 2. Apple's online store has shown shipping delays of up to a month or more for all new versions of the iPad 2.
IHS iSuppli earlier this month said the iPad 2 may suffer from supply shortages in its electronic compass, the battery and possibly its touchscreen glass because of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.
But other analysts have said Apple often contracts supplies from multiple manufactures, which should help keep iPad production steady.
RadioShack joins other retailers that already have been selling the device since its release more than two weeks ago. Best Buy Co. Inc., Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., as well as Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, and AT&T outlets sell the second-generation iPad, which continues to face inventory shortages.
RadioShack said it will sell the iPad 2 at the same prices that Apple already offers. A company spokesperson didn't say why its expected iPad 2 launch failed to coincide with the product's main release on March 11.
The deal is a coup for Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack, which has transformed its operations from an all-purpose tech store to a more narrowly focused mobile-device retailer. The company has seen its stock price slump in recent months amid margin pressures from its disappointing T-Mobile business, increased competition and weakness related to its kiosk business.RadioShack currently sells some Apple products, including the iPod and AT&T-powered iPhone, in its flagship stores. It also sells both the AT&T and Verizon iPhones in its Target Mobile kiosks.
Apple confirmed RadioShack will start selling the iPad 2 on Tuesday but wouldn't comment on further distribution plans with any additional partners.
Demand for the iPad 2 appears to be strong, although Apple hasn't disclosed sales figures for the device, which went on sale in 25 countries on Friday. Last week Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said "We're experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the U.S."
Retailers around the world have experienced constrained supplies of the iPad 2. Apple's online store has shown shipping delays of up to a month or more for all new versions of the iPad 2.
IHS iSuppli earlier this month said the iPad 2 may suffer from supply shortages in its electronic compass, the battery and possibly its touchscreen glass because of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.
But other analysts have said Apple often contracts supplies from multiple manufactures, which should help keep iPad production steady.
Link: Radio Shack
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