Apple Store prepares for non-existent lineups

The 3G iPad 2 has so far met with an extremely poor response in mainland China, at least at retail, reports say. Apple Stores in Beijing and Shanghai are said to have been totally devoid of crowds during the Wednesday launch, even though guards and fencing were brought out in anticipation of long lineups. Scalpers which have plagued Apple retail in China were only seen in small numbers.

Photos show the Nanjing Apple Store with staunchions snaking around the exterior, but no one at all in line. At the Xidan Joy City outlet in Beijing Apple is said to have planned an 8:30AM launch, but postponed it until 8:40 due to a lack of activity. The first 3G iPad 2 purchase was only made at 9, and by 9:30 Apple workers were putting away metal fencing, recorded on video by police officers who may have been prepared to fine Apple for occupying public roads. Around the same time, even the scalpers decided to leave.

The non-existent turnout is being blamed on several factors, most notably price, since in mainland China even the cheapest 3G iPad 2 costs the equivalent of $735, over $100 more than in the US. 3G tablets have also been available through the Hong Kong gray market for some time. China Unicom has yet to offer any custom-tailored iPad plans, despite being Apple's only official carrier partner in the country.

by MacNN Staff