Apple Inc. has postponed sales of its iPhone 4S in the company’s mainland China stores on Friday. The move followed the angry reaction of customers and scalpers who threw eggs at the flagship Beijing store after it failed to open on schedule at 7am.
Hundreds of people had waited overnight in freezing weather at the store on Beijing’s east side, before the company decided to cancel the opening due to safety concerns, AP reports. However, when the staff announced the decision, people became unruly and scuffles broke out between the store security staff and the crowd. Some people reportedly pelted Apple’s flagship store with eggs before police moved in and dragged some of them away.For the time being, Apple will sell the hi-end smartphone online and through its local carrier, in order to ensure the safety of customers and its employees.