Apple's two flagship stores in India completed their first year with impressive revenues. According to a report by The Economic Times, each store raked in between ₹190-210 crore over the last fiscal year, meeting Apple's expectations.
The Mumbai store, AppleBKC, and its counterpart in New Delhi, Apple Saket, have been consistently generating monthly average sales of ₹16-17 crore each since their inception. The slightly higher revenue from the Mumbai store is attributed to its larger size and strategic location.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, graced the inauguration of these stores last year, signifying the company's commitment to the Indian market. Now, Apple is eyeing further expansion, with plans to open outlets in Pune, Bengaluru, and Noida, according to industry insiders cited in the report.
The company aims to establish its presence in prominent shopping malls in these cities, with discussions already in an advanced stage. The decision to expand comes after a successful year of operations for the initial two stores, indicating Apple's confidence in the Indian market.
Moreover, there are indications that Apple might soon launch its Apple Vision Pro headset in India, contingent upon the establishment of company-owned stores. This move underscores Apple's increasing focus on India, the world's second-largest smartphone market.
The Apple stores not only serve as retail outlets but also play a crucial role in brand building and customer engagement. With "Today at Apple" sessions and expert tutorials, these stores offer customers a unique experience and contribute to the overall growth strategy of the company in India.
Despite challenges such as competition from resellers offering discounts and financing options, Apple's retail stores continue to attract high foot traffic, especially during new product launches and weekends.