Best Buy limits iPad2 sales

LOS ANGELES, April 9 (UPI) -- The runaway popularity of the iPad2 is forcing Best Buy to limit sales temporarily, the retailer says.

Best Buy acknowledged Friday its employees have been directed to hold on to inventories not yet sold or reserved, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints," the company said. "Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple, and we're delighted by customer response to the iPad2."

Best Buy said a coming promotion was another factor in the move.

The iPad2 has been selling out in American stores since its debut in March. Japanese factory shutdowns after the March 11 earthquake may cut supplies of vital components, research company IHS iSuppli says.