Apple CEO Tim Cook has arrived in India to launch the company’s first retail store in Mumbai, which is set to open on Tuesday. The store, located at Bandra Kurla Complex, will coincide with Apple’s 25th anniversary in India. On Thursday, the company will open a second store in Delhi’s Saket neighborhood. These stores have been a long time in the making due to India’s strict regulations, which require international brands to source a significant portion of their products from within the country in order to open their own-brand outlets.
India is a key market for Apple, with the company having extensive plans for the country that include creating a stronger ecosystem for app developers, a commitment to sustainability, numerous community programs, and localized manufacturing. The opening of the two stores is part of the company’s push to expand its retail presence in India.
Apple has faced some challenges in the Indian market due to the country’s affordability concerns. However, data from the India Cellular and Electronics Association showed that between April 2022 and February 2023, iPhones accounted for 50% of the $9 billion worth of smartphones exported from India. In 2020, the company opened its online store in India, and the new retail locations are expected to further boost its presence in the country.
The two new stores in India will join a distinguished list of Apple Stores worldwide, including the Apple Park Visitor Centre in Cupertino, the Apple Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Apple Dubai Mall, and the Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Apple’s expansion in India is expected to be a major driver of growth for the company in the coming years.
