Apple’s inaugural retail stores in India set to open next week

As per reports, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has planned a visit to India next week to inaugurate the company’s initial retail stores in the nation.

Apple’s maiden retail stores in India, located in Mumbai and Delhi, are scheduled to commence operations on April 18th and April 20th, respectively. These stores, Apple BKC in the financial hub of India and Apple Saket in the national capital signify Apple’s initial endeavors towards establishing a retail footprint in India, augmenting the 552 stores it manages in 25 nations.

In September 2020, Apple launched its online store in India. The company aims to manufacture 25% of all iPhones in India, as opposed to the current 7% that the nation produces.

As per a Bloomberg report, CEO Tim Cook has planned a visit to India next week to inaugurate the retail stores, emphasizing the company’s aspirations for the nation as a burgeoning market and a manufacturing hub. The opening of these two stores has been a prolonged process as India has stringent regulations that restrict foreign brands from opening self-branded outlets unless they acquire a substantial portion of the merchandise from within the country.

On Thursday, April 20th, the Saket store is scheduled to commence operations at 10 am. Additionally, Apple disclosed that the barricade of the store is an homage to the legendary gates of the city. The novel store will showcase the cutting-edge products of the tech behemoth and furnish personalized services from a team of Specialists, Creatives, and Geniuses.

Located in the Jio World Drive Mall at Bandra Kurla Complex, Apple BKC takes its inspiration from the iconic Kaali Peeli (black and white) taxis of Mumbai. The debut store is slated to commence operations on Tuesday, April 18th, at 11 am. Prior to the grand opening, Apple BKC organized a unique series, Mumbai Rising, that aims to offer hands-on activities with the company’s products that pay tribute to the local culture. Customers can visit apple.com/in/today to learn more about the sessions. In addition, Apple has introduced bespoke wallpapers with the theme of Apple BKC and Apple Saket, and a curated Apple Music playlist that features the ‘sounds of Mumbai and Delhi.’