Best Buy temporarily halts sales of non-reserved iPads

(Bloomberg) -- Best Buy Co., the largest consumer electronics retailer, is temporarily restricting sales of some Apple Inc. iPad 2 tablets as it confronts supply shortages and prepares for an undisclosed promotion.

While the retailer is still receiving iPad 2 devices from Apple, it's holding onto "non-reserved" inventory of the device, Paula Baldwin, a spokeswoman for Best Buy, said in an emailed statement. She didn't detail the planned promotion.

"This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints," she said. "Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple."

Since going on sale last month, the iPad 2 has sold out at retail outlets, including Best Buy and Apple's own stores. The new model is slimmer and lighter and has front and rear cameras. Apple has sold more than 15 million iPads since the device was introduced last year. Sales data for the newest version of the tablet computer haven't been released by Apple.

Apple may continue to struggle with supply shortfalls after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last month made it harder for component makers to crank out needed parts. Production of iPads and iPhones may be "meaningfully impaired" as a result of the disasters, Pacific Crest Securities Inc. said last month.

Steve Dowling, a spokesman for Cupertino, California-based Apple, declined to comment.