We mentioned a story yesterday about Best Buy and their new iPad 2 promotion they are starting on April 17th, and here is another story that broke just this morning regarding Toys R’ Us.
Toys R’ Us Selling iPad 2 April 17th
It would appear that Sunday, April 17th is the day to get an iPad 2 if you have been holding out or have not yet been able to get one due to shortages. Recently, there were rumors floating around that Apple was going to extent their iPad 2 presence and with Toys R’ Us jumping into the game, that pretty much confirms those rumors.
As you can see in this image [via 9to5 Mac] the prices are the same and they are also selling the new Smart Covers. Apparently most all of the stores will be setting the polyurethane covers and a few, like the New York store will have the leather ones as well.
There is no rumor that Toys R’ Us will be selling the original iPad or any other products at this time but who knows. If this is successful for Apple and Toys R’ Us, maybe a new relationship is budding.
What is really interesting to me is that they picked Toys R’ Us. Apple is working hard to show how the iPad 2 is for business but this is a definite play to the younger crowd and thus their even bigger push right into the gaming market. After all, once your kids get a few iPad games in their hands then that’s pretty much all it will take for them to be fans.
So why do you think Apple is selling it at Toys R’ Us? The kids?
I don’t get that either. They have achieved mass market access through Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Between these almost any American can go a short distance and personally pick one up. Toys R Us – really?
All I can guess here is that it’s mainly to attract kids. And that’s to capture the gaming market
I think that Apple is going after the Video Game Market. I also think that if they can get the younger kids hooked on the iPad, that they will be familiar with Apples’s ios, and will want the iPhone as well when they are of age.
It looks like Apple is trying to prove that the iPad is versatile and applicable in the areas of family, business, and now for kids.
Hey Sean,
Excellent Observation! I think you are absolutely correct here and I had not thought of that but if Apple can get the kids involved in iOS and the iPad, then they are going to be 100% more likely to not only buy an iPhone but a Mac as they get older.
Absolutely! Great strategy on Apple’s part: get ‘em while they’re young.
My four year old niece uses an iPad at her nursery school. Kids find the interface very intuitive (okay, adults do, too). Parents can feel good about letting their kids use an iPad because there are so many educational apps, including ones that are disguised as games.
For kids with autism or learning disabilities (and their parents), the iPad is way more than a toy or gaming platform; it’s practically a godsend.