Um... really?
"... but, even within those stores, the Apple brand is set aside to a different corner of the store where a direct comparison with the others is limited."
Every Best Buy I know has the Apple ministore sitting right next to their other computer brands, making direct comparisons very easy. I will note that most customers coming out of a Best Buy also don't carry an Apple box, but if they didn't sell any at all, do you think Apple would keep that ministore going?
Even Walmart (I can't speak for Target or any others) has the iPhone displayed right next to all the other smart phones where prices can be compared. This tends to give the lie to your statement that they are "... set aside to a different corner of the store...".
What you seem to overlook is that Apple has a reputation that somewhat overrides mere price differences, and this, too, affects their sales in these 'partner' stores. When someone wants cheap, they buy cheap; but Apple's reputation for reliability and ease of use tends to attract those who want a little more bang for their buck and compare in the same price ranges.
