Is Best Buy in trouble with Apple for mishandling sales of the iPad 2? Not so, Best Buy said in a statement
"Best Buy continues to receive iPad 2 inventory from Apple on a regular basis," the company said. "As we've said previously, we are fulfilling customer reservations first. Our stores have been asked to temporarily hold on-reserved iPad 2 inventory for an upcoming promotion."
CrunchGear was the first to report that Apple had banned the electronics retailer from selling the iPad 2. Best Buy reportedly told shoppers that the device was out of stock, when in reality Best Buy had just reached a pre-determined daily sales quota and was holding iPad 2s in the back. Chatty Best Buy employees told CrunchGear that Apple had ordered a freeze on sales of the tablet through the store, and Apple had even yanked Best Buy's iPad inventory, except for demo models. But Best Buy said it's business as usual with Apple.
"This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints," the statement continued. "Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple and we're delighted by customer response to iPad 2."
The partnership Best Buy mentioned dates back to the launch of the original iPad about a year ago. Along with Apple Stores, the electronics retailer started selling the iPad when it launched last April and started peddling it at all U.S. stores in September. Best Buy started stocking the iPad 2 on its first day of availability nearly a month ago.
Apple has not made a statement regarding the controversy and has not responded to several requests for a comment on the matter. However, the original CrunchGear report noted that Best Buy's rumored action even attracted the displeasure of Apple COO Tim Cook.
Regardless of the controversy, people can't seem to get their hands on the iPad 2 fast enough. Digitimes estimates Apple sold roughly 2.6 million iPad 2s in March. Apple has not released any numbers yet, but is expected to do so on April 20 during an earnings call.