The store TJ Maxx is apparently offering brand new iPads (16GB Wi-fi model) for sale instore at $399. That is $100 under the price offered by Apple itself and most other resellers and stores including Target
We have no idea how this happened and how the price managed to go this low. At the moment it is unclear if Apple were even involved in this although it is difficult to see how they could not be. Wild theories include TJ Maxx bulk purchasing excess inventories of iPads and selling them below purchase value. Others suggest that these are refurbished iPads but this does not appear to be the case. Hell, even if they were, they are still $50 below Apple’s refurbished iPad price of $449.
However, lets for one second assume that Apple made this happen. This could be for one of two reasons. The first is that Apple are simply trying to lock down the tablet market for the holidays. But are they going to offer the same price on their own website? And how will the other resellers respond to this? At the moment, the iPad is still full price on Apple’s website.
The second reason that this could be happening is that Apple are offloading some excess stock in advance of the iPad 2 being announced. Remember, the iPad was originally unveiled on January 27th 2009. If next year follows suit, then January is the time when the iPad 2 will be shown.
Anyway, who cares? If you ain’t got one, then now is the time.
Hi, Santa. Can I change that list?
