Apple has begun sending out notices about their annual “Black Friday” sale, so named because it’s theoretically a shopping day so monumental it tips the retail balances out of the red (losing money) and into the black (making profit). Years past have seen $100 off MacBooks, for example, though rumors this year suggest Apple might be more aggressive with their sale.
Cyber Monday, the trendy follow-up where people have mulled over everything they didn’t buy on Black Friday and make use of once-were-faster office internet connections to order stuff online, is typically ignored by Apple, so those wanting even a little savings should definitely not miss out Friday.
Will iPhone’s see any discount love? We don’t expect so, given their already hugely subsidized price, but we remain ever hopeful!
So far we’ve gotten notices in the US (where it follows the Thanksgiving holiday), and Canada (where it follows just another work day). Anyone else get a notice for their country? Please post in the comments!
Apple Insider is reporting that, rather than layoffs like Palm or unpaid vacation like Dell’s exploring, which would certainly paint a less-than-rosy glow about the company, Apple:
…plans to scale back the hours worked by its part-time Mac Specialists that greet customers and promote products. This would keep them on the store floors while trimming employment costs, those aware of the changes say. To compensate for the shortfall, Geniuses normally assigned to servicing products and answering questions will be asked to spend four of their weekly hours in the Mac Specialist role. Creatives manning the Studio sections of some stores will be asked to work as many as eight hours selling products.
Less person hours, however, is still less person hours. Here’s wishing all the ever-helpful staff at Apple Retail, the great folks at Palm, and everyone at Dell a speedy return to the work they love (and need!), and everyone a little global confidence, a modicum of collective good fortunte, and a lot of responsible leadership moving forward!
