Johannesburg, 10 Jan 2011
Local online retailers report that sales of Apple's iPad spiked during the 2010 festive season.
While the device is not officially available in SA, retailers - all of which imported their iPad stock from abroad - say their sales data indicates higher-than-average sales for November and December. There are in excess of 15 online retailers stocking imported iPads.
Blake Levitan, CEO of Expansys.co.za, says his company moved over 350 units between 25 November and 25 December. He adds that 90% of sales queries resulted in sales, and speculates that contributing factors were the availability of iPad accessories and the aggressive pricing. The company also offers a 12-month countrywide warranty.
A Kalahari.net spokesperson says the company started stocking the iPad in August, and expects to achieve four-figure sales volumes in the near-term. Of its total sales volume, 57% were sold in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The spokesperson also added that stock was sometimes sourced from alternative suppliers.
Importer Have2Have.co.z says its sales for the iPad spiked during 1 November and 1 December, mostly due to sales for corporate clients. Sales of iPads to private customers declined during the four weeks before Christmas.
Simon Swanich, owner of Have2Have, says the firm sold more than 600 units since having the iPad available for sale a week after it was introduced in the US. He adds that it is difficult to track overall local sales because many people go abroad and bring the devices in for themselves, friends and family members.
A spokesperson for another Web store, 24HoursOnly.co.za, says it has had huge demand for the iPad. The store operates on the principle of having one deal per day. The spokesperson explains it has only had the iPad available since December, and it has sold out each time it was offered as a daily deal.
Core Group, the official Apple distributor for SA, has declined to comment on these sales figures, or when the device would officially arrive on local shores.
Apple is expected to announce the next-generation iPad in the coming weeks.
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