Most Japanese consumer electronics discount stores have halted online sales of iPods, iMacs and other Apple products, apparently at the request of US Apple, reports “MarketWatch” (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/japan-retailers-halt-online-sales-of-apple-goods-2010-04-27?reflink=MW_news_stmp).

Industry watchers believe that the Japanese unit of Apple has cut out some sales channels because it was unhappy about online stores selling its products at a discount, the “Nikkei” business daily reported. Apple Japan has offered no comment to the Japanese publication, saying the personnel in charge of the matter weren’t available.