Apple Stores Are Almost Here; Mumbai To Host India's First

Apple Inc. will open its first flagship retail store in India in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for the US giant as part of its efforts to ramp up both sales and manufacturing activities in the country.

- Gulveen Aulakh

The highly anticipated Apple store will come up at the Mukesh Ambani-owned Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex commercial hub. The company already sells directly to customers through its online platform and third-party resellers.

The launch of the Apple store is part of its efforts to attract India’s burgeoning affluent population and capture a sizeable chunk of the market for premium smartphones, computers and electronic gadgets.

“Inspired by the iconic Kaali Peeli (black and yellow) taxi art unique to Mumbai, the Apple BKC creative includes colourful interpretations of the decals combined with many Apple products and services that will be available for our customers to discover," the company said on Tuesday, without disclosing when the store will open. Apple’s website also features Apple BKC as one of its store options for consumers to purchase products directly. A second store is likely to come up in New Delhi, people familiar with the development said.