According to a ThinkSecret source, Apple may be considering expanding its direct sales model further.
This move would bring it into direct competition against traditional catalog resellers (MacWarehouse, MacMall) which have historically represented a large portion of the Mac sales market.
At this early stage, it appears that they have simply investigated this plan as a possibility, and it's unclear if they will pursue this option. In light of recent reseller lawsuits, however, such a move may further strain reseller relations.