The first Apple retail store in India has opened its doors to the public in the financial and entertainment capital of the country, Mumbai. The tech giant sees India as a promising market and manufacturing base.
The store is located in the Bandra Kurla complex, owned by Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries conglomerate. The premises with an area of 1,858 square meters are distinguished by a minimalist glass facade in the style of Apple. Inside is a handmade ceiling made of 408 wooden parts.
Apple claims the store is one of the most energy-efficient locations in the world, running entirely on renewable energy. The store has more than 100 employees who together speak more than 20 languages.
Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a tweet with store employees dressed in green uniforms. The tweet said, “Hello Mumbai! We can’t wait to welcome our customers to the new Apple BKC tomorrow.”
Hello, Mumbai! We will not take our customers to the new Apple BKC add-on. ?? pic.twitter.com/9V5074OA8W
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 17, 2023
“India has such a beautiful culture and incredible energy,” Tim Cook said in a press release. “We are excited to continue our long history of supporting our customers, investing in local communities and working together to build a better future.”
Apple is opening its second store in India on Thursday, April 20. It will open its doors in the capital city of Delhi.
Late last year, Apple accelerated its plans to move some of its production outside of China, which has long hampered the company’s supply chain. The WSJ also reported that the company is offering suppliers to assemble products in other Asian countries such as India and Vietnam.
The desire to increase the customer base may be the result of reduced income. Apple reported first-quarter revenue of $117.2 billion, down 5% from last year.
India is the new “China” for Apple. The iPhone manufacturer has already transferred part of its capacity to the country and is preparing to open its first stores
Source: Insider
