The Apple Watch goes on sale this month - but the traditional queues at Bluewater may be missing.

More than 400 people queued at the shopping centre when the iPhone 6 went on sale in September last year.

Two years earlier, when the iPhone 5 went on sale, queues were even bigger with an estimated 1,000 people waiting in line.

But according to an internal Apple memo, the technology firm is urging 'a significant change in mindset' to discourage queues.

It urges staff to tell customers to order the Apple Watch online instead of camping out to grab one off the shelves.

The memo from the firm's retail chief Angela Ahrendts states: "The days of waiting in line and crossing fingers for a product are over for our customers,” according to a report by Business Insider.

It adds: "The Apple Store app and our online store make it much easier to purchase Apple Watch and the new MacBook. Customers will know exactly when and where their product arrives.

"This is a significant change in mindset, and we need your help to make it happen. Tell your customers we have more availability online, and show them how easy it is to order. You’ll make their day."

Last September's queues at Bluewater began at 3pm the day before the new iPhone went on sale.

The Apple Watch is available to pre-order from 8.01am on April 10 and can be collected from April 24.

Prices will start from £299, rising to £8,000 for the Apple Watch Edition in 18 karat gold.