Apple will begin shipping orders directly from stores , starting with those living nearby in the US and Canada.
The tech giant has already started shipping orders directly from retail stores, according to Bloomberg, instead of sending them from a distribution center or directly from China, as was usually done.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to choose whether your order will be shipped from a warehouse or from a store – obviously, the decision is based solely on Apple's operations team.
You can pick up your order from a retail store if you live within 100 miles of an Apple Store.
Apple will ship orders from one of the stores, via United Parcel Service Inc.in Canada, and via FedEx in the U.S., and they could arrive as soon as the next day. In addition to faster delivery, the company told its staff that this practice will reduce costs and potentially increase profit margins.
Apple began testing this program as its stores reopened after being closed due to COVID-19. It has since expanded the program's availability, though it is not yet available at all of locations in the US and Canada.
As the publication reports, this move can keep stores operational even if they are not open due to the pandemic.
The company has been experimenting with its store format in the wake of COVID-19, and recently began testing “Apple Express” in California. Under the Express, staff will serve customers one at a time and ship their devices quickly if they pre-order online.
Apple is considering converting some retail locations into online support or call centers so they don't have to close again due to the pandemic, according to Engadget.
