Apple is all set to launch its first-ever retail store in India, nearly two decades after it started selling products and services in the country. The US-based tech giant is slated to open its store, called Apple BKC, located in the Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai, to the public later this month. The company plans to follow this up with another store in New Delhi in the coming quarters.
Apple has shared the barricade of its first retail store, stating that it draws inspiration from the iconic Kaali Peeli (black & yellow) taxi art unique to Mumbai. The store’s creative includes colorful interpretations of the decals combined with many Apple products and services that will be available for customers to discover.
Although India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market, it currently contributes very little to Apple’s top-line. However, Apple has expressed confidence in its prospects in the country. To that end, the company’s contract manufacturing partners, Foxconn and Wistron, have ramped up local assembling of iPhones and other Apple gadgets in recent quarters.
Apple initially planned to open its first store in India in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay. The company launched its online store in the country in 2020. It has also been aggressively hiring employees for its stores in India in recent months, as evident from recruitment posts.