Report: Apple Watch Sales Come With Fashion Advice

And you thought Apple Retail Store employees were just nerds with a wardrobe full of blue t-shirts.

Ahead of next month's Apple Watch launch, Cupertino is training workers to provide personal fashion and styling advice to customers, 9to5Mac reported.

Workers will have to move beyond "Do you want that in silver, gray, or gold?" to serve as fashion advisers. Similar to the process of buying a high-end watch at a jewelry store, Apple reportedly wants staff members to "initiate conversations that build trust," 9to5Mac said.

Employees will be put through Apple Watch boot camp over the next two weeks, learning techniques to encourage iPhone upgrades, assist with gifting, and guide customers in watch and strap choices, the tech blog said. Cupertino's training reportedly requires workers to handle hypothetical situations, walking faux customers through the purchasing process.

Building a relationship with customers, however, will be tough, when you've only got 15 minutes. Last week, 9to5Mac reported that, starting on April 10, folks will be able to swing by an Apple Store for a time-limited trial at new try-on stations.

While you don't need an appointment, you can expect a long wait. Especially if employees are trying to stare into your soul to uncover whether you should pick the white sport band or a soft pink modern buckle.

According to 9to5Mac, workers have been told to make positive comments and avoid discussing poor fashion choices, explain how previous customers made their decision, use the client's personal accessories for reference, and get the opinion of the patron's accompanying friends or family.

Perhaps most importantly: "Don't focus on price as a reason to recommend an option because many customers may be willing to spend more for a model that makes them feel good," Apple said, according to the news site.

The move suggests Apple has been influenced by recent fashionista hires, including Burberry's Angela Ahrendts.

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That influence seems to be working: A recent poll from Reuters/Ipsos suggested almost four in 10 adult owners of an iPhone would be interested in buying an Apple Watch.

In Australia, meanwhile, fashion magazine Elle is doling out advice on how to wear the high-tech timepiece for any occasion, from work to a cocktail party.

Apple is accepting pre-orders starting April 10. The device requires an iPhone 5 or higher running iOS 8.2; once paired with the smartphone, Apple Watch lets users control notifications and alerts sent to the wrist, as well as load new apps.

For more, see PCMag's hands on with the Apple Watch and the slideshow above. Also check out our other coverage in these links:

• 25 Things to Know About Apple Watch
• Apple Watch vs. Pebble Time Steel: Gloves Off, Watches On
• Can Apple Watch Reinvent Smartwatches Without Doing Anything New?
• Will Developers Help Apple Watch Beat Google's Android Wear?
• Who Will Buy the $10,000 Apple Watch?
• 4 Things to Consider When Judging the Apple Watch