Apple will open its first retail stores in India in April

Happy customers are repeat customers. It’s not hard…

Friday. Another good day for even more news from India as Apple prepares to open its first retail stores there. The first Apple Retail store in India will open in Mumbai in April to be followed by a second in New Delhi, local reports claim.

Mumbai store opens in April, New Delhi follows

The Economic Times reports that the flagship Mumbai store will occupy 22,000 feet at the Jio World Drive Mall. It will apparently have the same high level design as Apple’s other flagship stores in the US, Europe, China, and UK. The New Delhi store will be smaller, at 10,000 feet and will be situated in Select Citywalk mall. While smaller, this is set to open shortly after Apple opens up in Mumbai. Interestingly, India’s Tata Group has also revealed plans to open a chain of Apple-focused stores in the country.

Apple began hiring staff to run its stores in January. The stores will feature everything you find in Apple’s stores, including support staff, trainers, and more. Both shops have already been fitted.

While the opening is imminent, the final dates are thought to depend on the availability of Apple executives. Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail and People is very likely to host the openings, but it isn’t known if others will make the trip.

Apple CEO, Tim Cook made a high profile visit six years ago, during which he showered praise on the country and promised to return “frequently” (which he has) and Apple’s VP Health, Sumbul Desai attended a conference in Mumbai last month.

A long journey

Apple has been working toward opening retail stores in India for many years. It first opened its online store there back in 2020.

Speaking during the company’s recent fiscal call, CEO Tim Cook said:

“India is a hugely exciting market for us and a major focus. We brought the online store there in 2020. We will soon bring Apple Retail there. We are putting a lot of emphasis on the market. There’s been a lot going from financing options and trade-ins to make products more affordable and give people more options to buy.”

News of the opening of Apple retail is just the latest in a deluge of activity to emerge from India as the Apple accelerates building its business there. Additional highlights so far in March include:

• Foxconn will make AirPods in India – report
• Foxconn seeks growth outside China, predicts ‘flat’ 2023
• India security plan may damage iPhone user experience
• India changes labour laws so Foxconn can make iPhones faster
• Apple’s adventures in India become increasingly serious
• Apple has a plan to reach 2030 climate targets, VP confirms
• Apple works with NGO to improve water management in India

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