Latest: Hectic efforts on to bring the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to Gitex Shopper. A senior official at Jumbo said they have not heard of any ban from Apple from selling the new device the Shopper.
“The only reason it is not available here is non-availability of stocks. The stocks are running out faster than expected,” the official said. “We are trying to bring in the devices to the Shopper. It will be here as soon as fresh stocks arrive,” he said.
Apple ban?
There will be no iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on sale at the Gitex Shopper in World Trade Centre, leaving several visitors disappointed.
According to retailers the decision was communicated to them by Apple itself. However, the devices will still be available for sale at retail outlets outside the World Trade Centre. But do not expect any major promotions on the Apple devices.
“We were planning to bring in the new iPhones to the shopper but had to cancel the plan following the request,” said one trader on condition of anonymity.
Apple launched the new iPhones for the first time in the UAE ahead of its usual schedule (two to three months after the international launch). The devices went on sale at midnight yesterday across the UAE.
Retailers, however, said it will not steal the thunder out of the Shopper in any ways.
“Apple being Apple usually positions its products at a premium and does not want to get involved in major promo sales. This could be one reason while the other being non-availability of stocks, but that does not make sense as stores that have it still sell it at retail stores out of the Gitex Venue,” said one retailer who do not want to be named.
Mahesh Chotrani, of Jackys told Emirates 24|7 that the only reason this was decided was because stocks are very limited. “Consumers still can buy it from retail stores,” he said.
The decision he said would not in any way affect the ongoing show at Gitex Shopper.