Apple, a prominent tech industry leader, has recently launched its first official store in Mumbai, India. The new store, named Apple BKC, is a flagship store situated in the bustling Bandra Kurla Complex area, located in the Jio World Drive mall. The store provides a dedicated space for customers to explore and purchase Apple's products and services. The grand opening of this store, graced by Apple CEO Tim Cook, has generated widespread excitement, attracting massive crowds on the first day. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, cementing Apple's position as a leading brand in the Indian tech market.
The 20,800-sq ft Apple BKC store provides several new facilities for customers. They can take a tour of the store, check out the devices, and ask for a demo. Apple executives will assist them in operating the devices, and community-led sessions at the store will educate customers about Apple products. This is a significant step for Apple, as the company has been looking to expand its presence in India.
In addition to better customer service, the store offers the “Apple Pickup” service. Customers can place an order online and pick up products at their convenience. After-purchase services are also available at the store, including service and repair of devices. This means that Apple customers in India will now have access to world-class customer service, just like customers in other parts of the world.
Apple's focus on India is increasing, and the opening of this store marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to tap into the highly aspirational Indian market. As of September 2021, Apple accounted for 40% of total smartphone sales in India in the premium segment, higher than its rivals Samsung and OnePlus. This is a clear indication that Apple's products are in high demand in India, and the company is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing market.
One of the reasons why Apple is focusing more on India is its intention to shift away from China due to rising geopolitical tensions. The company has been diversifying its manufacturing operations for a while, and India is becoming an increasingly important market for Apple. Currently, India accounts for 3% of the company's total production share, but it is expected to rise to 5% in the next few years.
Apple's expansion into India is also good news for the Indian economy. The company's presence in India is likely to create thousands of jobs and provide a boost to the local economy. Moreover, Apple has a reputation for high-quality products, and its presence in India is likely to lead to an increase in demand for Apple products, which will benefit the local economy.
Overall, the opening of Apple's first official store in Mumbai is a significant milestone for the company and the Indian market. It provides a space for customers to come together, explore Apple products and services, and buy them. With better customer service, community-led sessions, and after-purchase services available, Apple is well-positioned to tap into the highly aspirational Indian market. As the company continues to focus on India and diversify its manufacturing operations, it is likely that we will see more Apple stores opening in other parts of the country in the coming years.