Apple to sell direct through 500 stores in India: reports
06 Dec 2014
Apple products had been available in India for quite some time now, but unlike markets in US or even China, Apple does not sell directly in India but through authorised resellers and other retail distributors.
But according to a report in The Economic Times, this could change very soon with the company reportedly giving the nod for a massive wave of retail expansion in India.
Under new plans the company could set up 500 stores in the country, even in smaller cities.
Regions like Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata are key contributors to Apple sales and according to commentators these regions would probably receive large outlets akin to the Apple Stores across the globe.
A noteworthy aspect here is that these stores are said to focus solely on iOS products, which could only mean sales of iPods, iPads and the iPhones.
This however, does not make sense given the structure and functioning of a standard Apple Store. No confirmation of this has come from Apple yet, but the plan come to fruition by next year say commentators.
Apple products have significant following in India, thanks to their premium devices, The Times of India reported. With the launch of dedicated stores in small cities of Apple would be able to better educate customers about the products with live in store demonstrations.
The company's products are already popular in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai; but now the company is planning a major push into smaller towns and cities like Amritsar, Pathankot, Moga, Coimbatore, Trichy, Nagpur, and Nasik.
The India push, however is yet to receive final approval but Apple had "tentatively" approved the expansion, and was expected to give the final go-ahead "very soon," the report noted.
Apple was reportedly looking at a franchise model that might be overseen by Redington, one of its two distributors in the country.
The fiscal year ending September 2014, saw Apple sell around 1 million iPhones in India. The company expected to top 3 million units sold this year, the Times reported.
Apple has had a presence in India since 2011.
