If you’ve ever wondered exactly to what extent store environment affects buying patterns, this tidbit from the iSuppli report should interest you.  Turns out that when it comes to selling iPhones, Apple stores have AT&T well and truly beat; they outsold them seven to one.  Now some of that is undoubtedly due to customers going into Apple stores knowing they want to pick up an Apple product, whereas AT&T sell a wide range of phones and who knows which one you’ll decide or be coerced into buying, but I think there’s also a big element of “occasion” to it.

Pretty much anyone who has been into an Apple store can agree that they do a damned fine job of setting the scene, inviting you to play with the products and generally make the experience a special one.  On the other hand, AT&T has been fingered with reports of staff reluctant to push the iPhone, and some stores don’t even have display models.  It’s a different shopping experience, and when you’re expected to spend upward of $500 it’s a far more pleasant one.

For anyone who has given in to the urge and bought an iPhone, we’re curious as to where did you get it from and why.  Obviously there are some who aren’t anywhere near an Apple store and so had to go to AT&T, but did anybody actively choose the latter over the former?  Let us know in the comments.

[via TUAW]