I don’t have any idea how long this has been around, but I had not yet come across this info :

Apple is now selling refurbished (*) Apple-hardware like Macs, iPads, iPods and accessories though the Dutch online Apple Store.

Go here to see if what you’re looking for is available at more-interesting-than-usual “Special Deal” prices.

(*) “refurbished” would mean that these hardware products have been produced from hardware that was either taken out of the primary production process or returned to Apple, of which all malfunctioning parts have been replaced by (as-good-as-)new parts ; due to the fact that this refurbished hardware has been thoroughly tested, this hardware comes with 1 year of limited Apple-warranty and the option to buy additional AppleCare.

Enjoy !