Apple launches first India store in Mumbai, people queue up in large numbers
The store is in Jio World Drive at Mumbai’s upscale commercial hub Bandra Kurla Complex
India’s first Apple store opened its doors on Tuesday with a swarm of people queuing up outside the store in Mumbai’s upscale commercial hub Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
The store is in Jio World Drive—the mall owned by India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani.
So far, Apple has only sold goods and offered services in India via authorized third-party retailers, or through online portals such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Paytm Mall.
Apple has been teasing plans for an India retail store since 2016.
The energy, creativity, and passion in Mumbai is incredible! We are so excited to open Apple BKC — our first store in India. pic.twitter.com/talx2ZQEMl
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 18, 2023
According to media reports, the iPhone maker has also signed a lease agreement which prohibits about two dozen technology, electronics, and ecommerce brands from having any kind of presence near its store.
A day before the store opened for public, Apple CEO Tim Cook was seen in the company of several Bollywood celebrities including Madhuri Dixit Nene, A R Rahman and Raveena Tandon.
Taking to Instagram, Madhuri Dixit Nene posted a picture with Cook in a restaurant welcoming him to Mumbai with the city’s special savoury snack ‘Vada Pav’ and penned a note saying, “Can’t think of a better welcome to Mumbai than Vada Pav! #timcookapple #apple #applestore #mumbai #applebkc”
According to media reports, the company will pay around Rs 42 lakh per month for about 20,800 sq ft of space.
Following the steps of its Indian debut with the Mumbai launch, the Apple Store in Delhi will open shutters on April 20, at the popular Select City Walk.
According to reports, the launch day will see five percent more footfall than regular days at the mall.
The Apple Store opening in India marks a significant development in the world's most valuable company’s intentions for India.
Apple shipped nearly 7 million units during 2022, according to industry analysts—a growth of around 16% y-o-y (year-on-year) in a year.
