Apple to End Sales at Circuit City Stores

Apple Computer Inc. plans to halt sales of its products through retail shops run by Circuit City Stores.

“Apple and Circuit City have mutually decided to go their separate ways and will be phasing out their relationship over the coming year,” a statement from the two companies said.

Both firms declined to comment on reasons for the change.

Remaining inventory will be sold for the rest of the year, Circuit City said.

Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., has increasingly sold its computers directly through its Web site. The company also opened 27 of its own retail stores last year.

Apple shares fell 27 cents to $24.03 on Nasdaq, while Circuit City rose 65 cents to $28.24 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bloomberg News