How Not To Sell A SmartWatch

Chris Welch from The Verge has posted and image of how Pebble’s latest smartwatch, the Pebble Time, is being sold at Best Buy (which was just announced today). The image highlights the exact reason why I believe the Pebble and other smartwatches are doomed to fail.

The problem with this image is that it shows how the Time is being treated: as a gadget and only that. It’s not being even remotely considered as a piece of jewelry despite technically being one. Not only that, but you don’t even get a good look at the product. You can’t even try it on. It’s basically on a shelf being sold no differently than a set of HDMI cables.

This is essentially the case with all other “smartwatches” too. If these guys want any chance of succeeding, that has to change.

And this is what puts Apple at a significant advantage. Their retail stores are a big deal because they let people see the Watch in a way Apple thinks is best. It’s treated like jewelry and you can play with it and try it on to see which one you like best.

That’s the difference between Apple and the rest. The product isn’t just a product. It’s an experience.