WATCH: Apple’s Mumbai retail store opening was a sensation

Do you remember when everyone used to queue outside Apple’s stores when new products launched? That was the intensity with which India’s Apple fans met the opening of Apple’s latest retail store in Mumbai this morning.

The opening attracted a real classic

Flanked by cheering, applauding retail staff in green shirts, Apple’s 100% renewable-powered store opened in Mumbai this morning. Apple CEO Tim Cook and SVP Retail + People, Deirdre O’Brien hosted the opening.

The crowd – and it was a huge crowd – gathered for the opening chanted “BKC, BKC,” and one veteran Mac loyalist turned up with his Macintosh SE, which Tim Cook cheerily signed.

Another fan joined another age-old Apple opening tradition and had an Apple logo razor cut onto the back of his head. There seemed to be a huge amount of laughing and cheering as customers queued to be among the first to enter the store, where at least 20 languages are spoken.

First of three known retail stores

A flotilla of video and images have already emerged from the event, with Tim Cook clearly ‘feeling the vibes’: “The energy, creativity, and passion in Mumbai is incredible! We are so excited to open Apple BKC – our first store in India.”

Apple is expected to open its new store in Select CityWalk, New Delhi later this week. A third store in Bengaluru is also on its way. Cook is also expected to meet with India government leaders this week.

Here’s some of the best reactions I’ve found so far.

Cook opens the gates

Apple CEO Tim Cook opens official store in BKC, Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/74BWRSsmAF

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) April 18, 2023

Tim Cook welcomes Mumbai

The energy, creativity, and passion in Mumbai is incredible! We are so excited to open Apple BKC — our first store in India. pic.twitter.com/talx2ZQEMl

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 18, 2023

But look at the size of the queue

At @Apple BKC, as the lines start to swell for the store launch.

Purav, Kartik and Madhav have been at the front of the queue since last night 😀 pic.twitter.com/Z50oud3hIQ

— Tushar Kanwar (@2shar) April 18, 2023

This really is the ultimate classic Apple look

#WATCH | Apple CEO Tim Cook surprised at seeing a customer bring his old Macintosh Classic machine at the opening of India's first Apple store at Mumbai's BKC pic.twitter.com/MOY1PDk5Ug

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2023

Tim Cook signed it

🤯 At #AppleBKC, Apple customer @absolutpop brought a Macintosh SE and @tim_cook signed it! Apple's Deirdre O'Brien also signed it. #AppleIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DPbXIqMKaf

— Supercharged (@spercharged) April 18, 2023

And this look is also an Apple classic

Spotted at the Apple BKC Mumbai opening. Just outstanding commitment 😂 pic.twitter.com/Pt4goxLIN6

— iMore (@iMore) April 18, 2023

More pictures from the store

India's first Apple Store opening moments at BKC, Mumbai @tim_cook #AppleBKC pic.twitter.com/rFuZPOaYEi

— iGeeksBlog | #WWDC24 (@igeeksblog) April 18, 2023

Inside the store on the PR opening yesterday

Apple BKC! pic.twitter.com/scDeFXBu88

— Arun Prabhudesai (@8ap) April 17, 2023

What’s all the fuss about?

Two things, really – Apple will build its brand presence dramatically by opening the new stores.

The company will attract sales from India’s growing wealthier population segments, while the enhanced reputation means it will continue to attract new users to its platforms in second hand markets (as happens everywhere else).

Those users will inevitably sign up for Apple’s services, which it will now inevitably introduce there on the back of the retail store wave. Of course, as more devices are manufactured in India, you can also expect prices to become more harmonious, though subject as always to foreign exchange and taxes of various kinds.

Wedbush analysts say Apple could generate an additional $20b per year in revenue in India by 2025 and this will continue to climb. The company has already increased revenue there by 50% across the last year. And has quite clearly tapped into a hardcore consumer following with its first retail store.

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