Some Apple Stores Receive Limited iPad 2 Stock; Demand Still Very High

Posted on March 15, 2011 by AppleBitch


There were mixed reports this morning suggesting that Apple has been distributing extremely limited numbers of iPad 2 devices to its Retail Stores today as shipping times for the iPad 2 at the Apple Online Store were pushed back to 4-5 weeks. Many readers have given us different stories on how their local Apple Retail Store has been dealing with the extraordinarily high demand for the device.

We reported yesterday that some Apple Stores would apparently opening earlier than usual in the hope that they would receive deliveries of the iPad 2.  As we have learned, selected stores did open earlier than usual but unfortunately, in many cases, had no new iPad 2 units to offer, as they were waiting on deliveries today.  As retail store staff are apparently not told ahead of time if a delivery will contain iPads, there was a great amount of uncertainty on whether a store would receive new units or not.  For those stores that did receive stocks of iPad 2, these were apparently extremely limited (reports of around 5 devices per store were not uncommon).

Incidentally, one of our contributors managed to snag an iPad 2 at their local Apple Store this morning but only because they had been waiting in line for 3 hours before the store opening.  Other stores simply did not receive any deliveries meaning that some customers are going to have to wait a little longer for their iPad 2.

Consumers are being advised to order an iPad 2 online as this will at least guarantee that they would eventually receive one.  We have no word on when Retail Stores will get more stock but we’ll post again if we hear anything.  If you hear from your local Apple Store that they have the iPad 2 available in stock for purchase, post in the comments below.

Unlimited…

Also on AppleBitch.com:

This entry was posted in News and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.
  • nb

    My local apple store, Orland Park Square is supposed to get 5 hand-fulls at their opening time.

    • randombunny

      I am NOT waiting again at that dumb store. PERIOD.

  • B. Ts

    Apple stores sell only 35 to 40 pieces of iPad 2 per store. It is not worth standing in line every morning.

  • Ron

    Interesting, I had heard Apple was receiving large shipments but limiting how many they would allocated for sale each day. I stood in line a couple of days ago (29th in line) and the Apple sales people came out and said there was a limited number of 32GB black, but a comfortable supply of 32GB white WiFI units. Within the first 10 people all 32GB ipads were sold out. I was back again this morning (3rd in line 2.5 hours prior to store open) and the Apple sales guy came out 30 minutes before opening and said they had a good supply of 32GB and 64GB black and white WiFi. At opening when they took me into the store I got to the counter and they said they only had 16GB WiFi units left and a good supply of Verizon 3G. I mentioned they had just told us there was a good stock of 32GB WiFi and I was 3rd in line, but they said I was miss-informed by the Apples sales person, which by the way, was the store manager. I asked to see the manager and he asked which model and color I wanted, and a few minutes later he came from the back room with a white 32GB WiFi unit. I’m pretty sure I could have said any model and he would have been able to come up with it, so yeah, they had more sitting on the back shelves that they weren’t selling today.

  • Bernie

    I have been calling everyday since last Monday the apple store in staten island and had no luck….they always told me out of stock….went to best buy Friday that just passed and wanted to put the $100 reserve and was told they stopped it a couple of days before due to Japan’s tsunami…sooo disappointed….so I would read on some websites news saying they were suppose to get a big shipment this week…my hubby went yest and nothing…I finally was very frustrated and just ordered online which was gonna take 4-5 weeks to come but was still gonna search my local apple store to see….our apple store opens at
    10am…and there’s never a line to wait…so I went to the mall today and I got there around 10:30i called and asked if they had any in stock and they said to come and see what was available. When I got there I asked the guy if he had the 32g white wi-fi and he said he had one more left! My bro also wanted the same but they had also one left in black! We both walked out with the ones we wanted! Sooo happy I didn’t have to wait 5-6 hours on a line..and I cancelled my online order! I love it!!

  • tammy

    what’s the difference between getting att or verizon????

  • GT500

    International plaza Tampa NO AT&T again!!! None since day 1

  • TT

    Stood in line again. Got a shipment but no ATT’s again.

  • Tom

    My parents are going to new york from april 7th to 15th and they will buy (with my own money) an iPad 16GB black wifi in the apple store 5th avenue, any chance it will ben in stock by then, because the won’t wait in lines…

  • TT

    Camped the store today between 10:05 and 11 – shipment came in at about 10:45. I settled for a Verizon. Still on the lookout for ATT. Interesting: Gardens has received no ATT models since launch.

  • Jhony

    FYI, I was at the upper east side apple store this morning and they did not receive any shipment. Will do this all over again tomorrow, what a pain in the a……

  • MH

    I was #6 at Apple Store in Naples FL at 8:30 this morning. After waiting previous day with no luck, no shipment, I wanted AT&T with any memory any color. They had only white 32GB, so I took it :-) I guess they had very very limited quantity, especially for AT&T version.

  • keemo

    I didn’t want to deal with the hectic crowds on opening day. I called the Apple store in San Diego on Saturday and was told they were sold out for the weekend and to come check the store first thing Monday morning at 10am (when they open). NONE on Monday at 10am. Called again Tuesday…was told to come to Apple at 9am (regular store hours open at 10). I told me husband to get there by 8 since I knew there would be a struggle to get any ipads if they had any. He was 7th in line…by 9am the line was at least 50 deep. The employees announced there were no ATT’s and no white versions before 9am. Later, they announced there were no more 16′s. We ended up with 2 black 32 wifis…I originally wanted a 64 Att…but I’m happy! I’ll take what I can get!!!!

  • Jens

    I was #8 in line this morning for a large shipment in Ohio. Got there before 6AM. At 8:30, I overhear that there are only 16GB, wifi and verizon, and the rest were 3G verizon. I left empty handed.

  • Jeremy S

    This morning (and Monday morning) I headed out to my local Apple Store (Alderwood Mall – Lynnwood, WA). They opened early for the last two days and didn’t have any on Sunday or Monday. I’m not sure if they had any yesterday, but they did today. I was 30 people back in line around 8:30, and the line close to doubled by 9. When I got to about 3rd or 4th from the enterence at about 9:20, an employee, who had been keeping us updated, came out and said they only had Verizon iPads left (all along they said they didn’t have any AT&T models). At that point most of the line pealed away leaving just a few willing to buy the Verizon model. I really wanted the wifi only model so I called a couple Targets and one of them had two iPads left. I was able to make it there on time and secure my black 32GB wifi only model (which I’m using to type this post). It seemed like the Apple store had enough stock, the issue was just people buying the max limit of 2. one couple walked away with 4 total. Some people in line were giving those people mean looks, especially those of us at the fringe of the available stock. The employee keeping the line informed told us that where I was in line was about as far back as was possible for being able to buy an iPad and people buying more that one made that worse. All in all it was a fun experience, just a a little frustrating when they kept saying they didn’t know when they’d get more. It seems like there should have been more transparency from Apple to there retail stores about stock and shippments coming in.

  • scfneon

    Got one today at 9am in Spokane not sure how many they had, they sold out quick only 16g wifi and various Verizon models. 40+ people in line by 8:30am

    I had been calling the Apple Store every day morning and night. Yesterday morning when I called same thing we have been hearing none yet, not sure but could get a shipment anytime so call back. (They really don’t know when a shipment will come and they are blind shipments from apple so no telling if it will include Ipad2′s or which ones.)
    When I called later in the afternoon they said they would open at 9am Wed. and have a limited supply of them. So they must of got them late morning or afternoon It makes since they wait tell 9am the next day because they have to unpack, log them in etc. and then its first come first serve the next morning in a very professional organized manner. One of the people in line has been there the last three mornings at 7am and it paid off today.

    It’s worth the effort if you want it asap, ….And it is also worth the wait, as opposed to buying any of the competitors tablets.

  • TT

    One more piece of information I thought I’d share. No other retailer in my area seems to have received a shipment since launch. I’ve been calling ATT, Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Unlike the Apple Stores, most of these retailers don’t seem optimistic to get any for weeks. The one exception seems to be Best Buy. However, they tell me that their reservation list (people who put $100 down) is already over 200 people and would push them out for weeks if anyone wanted to buy an iPad at that store. What’s everyone else finding?

  • TT

    Friggin’ missed it again. Called in the late morning and it sounds like they got their shipment mid-morning and sold out “instantly”. It looks to me like they are now receiving small daily shipments. By the way – I’m hearing a lot about people finding Verizon models but no ATT. Anyone have any luck finding an ATT since day after launch?

    • http://www.applebitch.com AppleBitch

      You’re having some bad luck mate. I hope you get better luck finding one tomorrow.

      • TT

        Thanks! I appreciate the news you’re bringing. I’m finding it to be very accurate – shipments came on Tuesday just like you said. I’ll update you on what I find tomorrow.

  • MR

    I got an iPad 2 at century city apple. They gave out like 20 tickets. Only had 16black wifi and 3G Verizon 16gb
    Was second in line.

    • regina

      what time did you get there?

  • abdirizak

    i want now if tommorrow availble ipad2 any store can i get

  • TT

    Nimbot: Any AT&T versions? Was it first thing in the morning or what time of day? Planning to try again tomorrow.

  • TT

    Ngoc: No AT&T?

  • TT

    Lynn: Palm Beach Gardens

  • TT

    Bryon: I don’t think they are sold out. Our Apple store in Florida got a shipment today in the early afternoon as mentioned in my post above. They seem to be spamming the “Sold Out” message on the phones whether they have stock or not. The guy I talked to in person seemed to think they’d get yet another shipment tomorrow around the same time. I agree with others who have said Apple is just manufacturing hype as usual.

    • lynn

      @TT which Florida store did you go to?

  • http://www.ohsnaphappy.com Byron D.

    The Apple Store in Memphis told me yesterday that they were opening at 9 and I should get there early if I wanted to buy a 3G. When I arrived at 8AM they said the iPads were not on the truck like they were supposed to be. Apparently, the line began forming at 6AM and was dismissed shortly after 7AM when they unloaded the truck and found no iPads. The Apple employees seemed shocked by the whole situation. They insisted that the iPads would arrive tomorrow morning and they plan to open an hour early again. Not sure if I should go. I think Apple sold out, like literally, and NONE are coming to the Memphis Apple store any time soon. But that’s just my opinion.

  • TT

    Been calling the Apple store every hour. They tell me each time “Sold out, don’t know when we’re getting more”. At one point their phone line wasn’t going through so I stopped in. “Just sold out our new shipment in 3 hours”. Uhm… So they are spamming “Sold Out” on the phone when they’re not? I called at least twice in that supposed timeframe. At a loss on what to do here.

  • Jon

    I finished a meeting in downtown Minneapolis at 8:48 and was out front of the Apple store in Uptown (20ish blocks away) by 9:59. I was #3 in line. They did open at 9:00 but had no shipments. I’m not sure if I’ll try this tomorrow or not. This is irritating. I want one before I travel again in 3 weeks. I don’t want to order one and not get it by then, but I don’t have the opportunity or the desire to go the store every morning and hope.

    • Jon

      Correction, I got there at 8:59. Sorry.

      • Kevin

        Hey Jon – I’m in the same boat in MPLS. Any new updates as you see them would be great! I too want mine prior to traveling in 3 weeks! Online just doesn’t seem like an option!

        • Jon

          I’ll reply here if I find one. I have one on order at FirstTech in Uptown. No idea how long that will take. I might try the Apple store tomorrow morning if I can schedule it, otherwise I’ll have to wait until next week.

          I’ll tell you what, if I get there tomorrow morning and they have them, I’ll tweet it from out front here: http://twitter.com/jondejong. You’ll know right away then :P

          • Ngoc

            Rosedale had shipment this morning. They started selling a little after 10. They had maybe 20 or so. Mostly Verizon iPads, but a good number of wifi ones.

            The guy said they were opening tomorrow at 9am. I don’t know what to believe. People were there at 7am when the mall opened. Some guy got there at 7:30 and was still able to have them. Most people showed up around 8:30-9. I came around 8:45ish and wasn’t near close to being able to have one. Some lady stood in line all morning (pregnant) and called her husband to ask if he wanted a Verizon one, because that was their only option. I asked for her spot in line and she gave me a dirty look and walked away without buying anything!?!#)(*#@

          • Sarah

            I’ve called most stores in the metro area- all the Apple stores say they might get limited quantities in the morning, open at 9, but people start lining up around 7. I drove past he Uptown store at 8 this morning and there were maybe 40 people in line? I might try that tomorrow morning. Target in NE said they had some this morning and sold out in about 45 minutes.

  • Steve

    Both Apple stores in the Columbus OH area (Easton & Polaris) opened early this morning, one at 7:30 am and one at 9 am. Normal for both is 10 am. Easton had 6 WiFi models for sale; Polaris had zero. The Easton spokesman was careful not to say they had received a shipment of 6 iPads, even when asked directly. This leads me to speculate that neither store had any new shipments, rather, they were most likely selling unopened box returns.

  • http://www.shredderdog.com Breck Rider

    Hi everyone, I went to the Boulder, CO Apple Store today and say with 50+ of my equally frustrated iPad 2 fans. The store opened 1 hour early and we were told they didn’t get any deliveries, nor did they know if they were getting any. We all scrambled like teenagers at a house party when the cops showed up.

  • Chelsea

    I wasn’t able to get one at my local Apple store in Greensboro, NC this morning, but I called them at around 2pm EST today and they said that they were going to be opening at 9am tomorrow too…of course no confirmation as to whether or not there would actually be any iPad 2s available, but interesting nonetheless.

  • safari

    stopped at target this morning in west hills,ca.they had 4 64g 3g ipads, no line! even the retail staff were not aware they were there until i pointed it out.Target and Walmart are worth checking first thing in the morning,I actually went in to get a dvd and walked out with a new at&t 3g ipad!

  • Pointman

    Settle down. These are the best marketers in business history. They are great at promotion. Thet will have iPads for the anxious customers. But none of this delay hurts them. I’ve been to the store 3 times now on 3 separate days. I will still buy one hopefully this week.

  • kumastheman

    Wow deleting comments, This must be a sensitive spot for you!

    Kuma said” Apple store ways open at 9am for appointments and tech support. You should find it “really crappy” that internet rumor sites reported this as a scoop”

    • http://www.applebitch.com AppleBitch

      You posted the same crap twice. Suck it.

      • gilligan

        Applebitch…my new favorite Apple Blog! You had me at suck it.

        • http://www.applebitch.com AppleBitch

          I’m glad. Can’t be arsed with folk like that.

      • Kuma

        Well I’m not Kumastheman. In fact I’m a woman. It does seem as though my original post was deleted. If my original comment posted twice it was a technical error but would that merit you deleting both completely?

        Let’s face it, this Tuesday iPad day was a bust and not rooted in reality. I’m sure it drove traffic here but it also caused a lot of people to drive unnecessarily to Apple stores. It should be a reminder to take the rumor sites with a grain of salt. Wasn’t it the rumor sites that said ipad2 would come out last december? Or that the white iphone would be introduced on Verizon? At this stage it seems these site are incorrect more often than they are correct.

        • kumasthewoman

          I bet Kuma is sexy and smart!

        • http://www.applebitch.com AppleBitch

          I think we should point out that we confirmed the early opening with three different Apple Stores in different states and, as you can see from the dozens of comments from readers, they received the same story. In this case, this was not a rumor, it came directly from Store managers and retail staff. I’m afraid we can only go on the information we are given and update it as necessary.

          As you can see, Apple Stores did receive new shipments on Tuesday and some opened early to distribute these units. These shipments were obviously limited and we made sure to advise people to contact the Apple Stores to get the latest information.

          We presented the information we had, and attached caveats to that information. Please don’t blame the messenger. We had nothing at all to do with the distribution of iPad 2 stock and it is clear that the Apple Stores themselves expected greater deliveries.

          It’s true that many people didn’t get what they wanted. But some did, including one of our contributors. If you want to direct blame somewhere for not getting your iPad then you can bugger off and do it somewhere else. If retail staff are telling us and the majority of people who ask them that stores are opening early for iPad sales, what do you expect us to do. Tell them they are wrong?

        • scfneon

          I don’t see Applebitch as some rumor site It is a very helpful Blog for us trying to get info from other apple enthusiasts, It’s the only good site out there to find out what is happening at other stores etc. Since even the employees of the apple stores are in the dark some of what they say could be regarded as a rumor. Thanks for having a good website here.

          • http://www.applebitch.com AppleBitch

            Thanks for the support. Appreciate it.

          • Nimbot

            Apple Store in South Beach, Miami had over 100 for sale. Me and 2 of my friends bought 5 iPads. Just because Kuma doesn’t benefit doesn’t mean the info is useless. Props to Applebitch and Utilitarianism

  • HollywoodMaxx

    Lets face it, the ipad 2 is just ok, its not great as can be yet. Who cares because in another 11 months the ipad 3 will be here then another 11 months and and ipad 4 is out. Just use a computer to surf the net and avoid standing in line to have the latest apple product. In another few months the hype will die and you can walk into any store and buy one of your choice Jesus Christ apple!

  • http://www.bosodia.com Jeremy K.

    I find it really crappy on Apple’s behalf that they’d make the stores open an hour early… leading people into hoping that the iPads would be there early in the morning. It’s a terrible way to do business and although I still intend on buying one, I still feel remorseful about spending my money on a company with such business ethics…

  • Sean

    Kind of sad that they have so many to use as demo’s in their stores when you cant even get one. Fortunately mine will be at my office this week.

    • Mr. Drene´lift

      I WANT AN IPAD.