Have you ever wondered what Apple’s first physical store in India looks like?
Well, wonder no more!
Apple has finally opened its first physical store in India. The store is located in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, and is spread across two floors covering over 20,000 square feet.
This highly anticipated store is a significant milestone for Apple, which has been looking to expand its footprint in India, one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
Here’s a look at what makes this store so epic.
Design and Architecture
The design of the store is inspired by the iconic Mumbai bazaars, with a modern twist. The facade of the building is made of a unique cast stone, which is reminiscent of the Jodhpur stone used in traditional Indian architecture.
Moreover, the store has an open-plan design with a massive central atrium that allows natural light to flood the store.
Not only this but the floors are made of hand-cut Italian stone, and the ceilings are made of perforated metal panels that have been designed to reduce ambient noise.
The store has been designed to create a unique experience for visitors, with a focus on providing a space where customers can learn, explore and be inspired by Apple’s products and services.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO said,
“We’re thrilled to open our first physical retail store in India, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our business in this important market.”
Innovation and Creativity
Apple has always been known for its innovative products and creative marketing campaigns. The opening of the Mumbai store is no exception.
The store’s design and architecture are a testament to Apple’s commitment to creating unique retail experiences that inspire and educate its customers.
In addition, the store is also designed to promote creativity and innovation among its customers.
The store has a dedicated space called the Today at Apple section, where customers can attend free workshops and training sessions on various Apple products and services, such as photography, music, and app development. These workshops are designed to help customers unleash their creativity and explore the full potential of Apple’s products.
Product Range
The Apple store in Mumbai has a vast range of products on display, including the latest iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods.
Furthermore, customers can also try out the latest Apple products, including the new iPhone 13, before making a purchase. The store also has a dedicated section for accessories, where customers can choose from a variety of cases, covers, and other accessories for their Apple devices.
Services and Support
Apart from showcasing Apple’s products, the store is also designed to provide support and services to customers.
Besides, the store has a dedicated Genius Bar, where customers can get technical support, repairs, and advice from Apple experts.
Customers can also attend workshops and training sessions on various Apple products and services, such as photography, music, and app development.
Impact on Indian Market
The opening of Apple’s first physical store in India is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian market.
Apple has been operating in India for over a decade but has relied on third-party retailers to sell its products until now.
This move to open a physical store is seen as a sign of Apple’s commitment to the Indian market, and it is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the country.
According to a report by Counterpoint Research,
“Apple’s market share in India was only 2% in 2020, primarily due to the high price of its products.”
However, with the opening of a physical store, Apple can now offer a more personalized shopping experience to Indian consumers, which could help the company attract more customers.
In addition, the opening of a physical store is also expected to help Apple expand its local manufacturing in India. In recent years, Apple has been investing heavily in local manufacturing to reduce its dependence on China.
The company already manufactures some of its products in India, including the iPhone SE, and is reportedly planning to manufacture the iPhone 12 in the country as well.
What do experts say about this?
According to Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research,
“Apple’s entry into the physical retail space is expected to increase its market share in India and help the company expand its local manufacturing.”
Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People revealed,
“India is a very important market for us, and we’re committed to investing in the country and supporting its growth.”
Conclusion
The opening of Apple’s first physical store in India is a significant milestone for the company and the Indian market.
The store’s design and architecture, coupled with the vast range of products on display, make it a unique retail experience for customers. The store’s focus on services and support, as well as its commitment to promoting creativity and innovation, are a testament to Apple’s values and vision.
As Apple continues to expand its retail footprint in India, it will be interesting to see how the company’s products and services are received by Indian consumers.
With the opening of the Mumbai store, Apple has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to the Indian market, and it will be exciting to see how the company continues to grow and evolve in this important market.
