Apple has on Wednesday unveiled the look of its first retail store in India, with people gathering outside to catch a glimpse of its black and yellow artwork.
According to Reuters, the store is still in barricades and expected to open in April.
Despite only having a 3% share of India’s smartphone market due to its high prices, Apple sees India as a key market and launched an online retail store in 2020.
The company has previously faced obstacles in opening physical retail stores in India, with 2021 launch plans delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple products have been sold in India through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart, as well as resellers.
The company is increasingly using India as a manufacturing base, with some of its products assembled in the country by Taiwanese contract electronics manufacturers Foxconn and Wistron Corp.
In addition, Apple plans to assemble iPads and AirPods in India.
The first retail store is located in the Reliance Jio World Drive mall, alongside luxury brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade.
According to he report, the company said the store was “inspired by the iconic Kaali Peeli taxi art unique to Mumbai,” with its brightly-lit interior featuring the classic Apple greeting “Hello Mumbai.”
People outside the store were taking selfies and recording videos on their smartphones, excited to see the famous Apple logo decked out in a variety of colours.
