Apple Store price matching

Apple has taken further action to boost sales in its own retail stores by allowing managers to match the prices offered by competitors, according to ifoAppleStore. The stores have previously prohibited staff from approving certain deals, but a report alleges an internal announcement defining a policy for pricing flexibility. The rules are said not to be completely open however, as customers will be required to show proof of dealers' discounts.

Best Buy has temporarily reduced its prices on several Macs, with $150 being taken off the 2.4GHz MacBook, and $100 being removed from the 2.0GHz model. Several other resellers run regular discounts on Apple products.

If the report is accurate it will mark a change in Apple's retail business model, which has traditionally held to a steadfast pricing schedule, with the exception of Black Friday. The feeble economy could be contributing to a strategy change though, as a necessary move to woo hesitant customers.

by MacNN Staff