The new iPhone 5s and 5c are a few days old now, with Apple reporting sales of more than 9 million units in the product’s first weekend on the market.
Our American readers can check out their local Apple Stores for the latest smartphones, and LA folks can read their local papers about how peaceful Californians bleed in line for new products. But, I wanted to see how our British cousins handled the waiting period and arrival of the new iPhones.
According to a quick check-in from Crave Online travel and lifestyle correspondent Amy Guttman, people began queuing outside London Apple Stores the Monday before the new iPhones arrived. While U.S. lines were marred by fraud and occasional violence, it looks like the UK lines became tea parties.
“Pizza and pastries were delivered gratis by Domino’s and other companies,” Guttman reported — as other businesses saw an opportunity to piggyback and cash in on Apple’s hype.
Back in line, one “first responder” at the front of one line in Central London was offering his spot for the equivalent of $14,000.
“Apparently, he had a taker before the debut, paying $10k for his spot,” Guttman said.
In some lines, those in front were wearing sponsored t-shirt and wrist bands to advertise or promote non-Apple products and services in front of news cameras sent to cover the Apple anticipation.
“They were essentially being paid £500 to be a human billboard while they waited for their phones.”
