Apple is failing once again to meet consumer demand for one of its products, this time being its latest digital music player, the iPod shuffle.

The finding was published earlier today by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who having conducted a survey of all Apple’s retail stores discovered that not one Apple store had any iPod shuffles in stock.

What Mr Munster did discover was widespread waiting lists, averaging 120 customers on each, for both the 512MB and 1GB iPod shuffle models.

The Piper Jaffray analyst wrote in a research note to clients: “The majority of stores have no idea when they will receive product. Those stores that do have an indication of when they will receive product suggested that limited quantities of the Mac mini and iPod shuffle will be in stock within two weeks.

“We believe initial demand for the Mac mini and the iPod shuffle has exceeded what Apple had been expecting,” Mr Munster added.

The research note concluded that Apple is hoping to supply ample demand by the end of February, with retail outlets in the UK likely to be able to stock their shelves with the iPod shuffle in late March.