In-store iPad 2 displays expected to save Apple time and money

Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities sent a note to investors on Monday commenting on Apple's retail overhaul that debuted on Sunday. The Cupertino, Calif., company upgraded its stores and now utilizes iPad 2 units as interactive displays to provide product information, pricing and features.

White said he believes the introduction of iPads into the retail experience will take Apple's already highly successful stores "to the next level."

"Additionally, we believe this initiative will ultimately save Apple money, as the iPad 2 product displays can be refreshed much faster and cheaper versus printing, a concept that other retails could implement," he said.

White visited Apple's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City, where he said about 150 iPad 2 displays were already set up. In addition, some employees were also utilizing iPad 2 units, as employees have been equipped with new RetailMe software.

Apple said in its most recent quarterly earnings report that it had 323 total stores at the end of the March quarter, with average revenue of $9.9 million per store, a year-over-year increase of 90 percent. The company expects to open 40 new stores in its fiscal year 2011, with nearly three-quarters of those stores located outside of the U.S.