Apple VARs unruffled by B2B plans

Resellers claim B2B presence in stores will not affect sales

Apple has tasked newly recruited executives to increase the prominence of its business advice sections within its stores

Apple partners are unfazed by rumours that the vendor is expanding its in-store offering for small businesses.

According to insiders, Apple has tasked newly recruited executives to increase the prominence of its business advice sections within several of its stores. If successful the new model could be rolled out nationwide.

Warren Peel, managing director of Apple reseller Trams and Rapid, claimed this would have no impact on his business model.

“We are not fazed by Apple employing a B2B presence in its stores,” he said. “The stores will not be able to offer 30 days-plus credit terms, software imaging, asset tagging, PAT testing, warehousing, and all the other value-add services that we offer.”

Howard Cole, managing director of Apple Premium reseller Albion Computers, said Apple’s business teams would struggle to integrate new technology with legacy systems.

Apple said it was unable to discuss the matter as CRN went to press.