Apple CEO Tim Cook inaugurated the company’s first-ever retail store in India, Apple BKC, located in Mumbai, on April 18, 2023. This marks a significant milestone for Apple’s operations in India, where it has been present for over 25 years and opened its first online store in 2020. The tech giant also has plans to open a second store, Apple Saket, in New Delhi on April 20, 2023.
Apple BKC, located in Jio World Drive, spans over 20,000 sqft and features a unique handcrafted timber ceiling that extends beyond the glass façade to the underside of the exterior canopy. The ceiling is made up of 1,000 tiles, each consisting of 408 pieces of timber, forming 31 modules per tile, reflecting the store’s distinctive geometry. With over 100 employees who collectively speak more than 20 languages, Apple BKC aims to provide a seamless and personalized experience to customers.
The store showcases Apple’s latest product offerings, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple TV lineups, as well as accessories like AirTag. Apple BKC also offers services such as Apple Pickup, which allows customers to place online orders and pick up products at their convenience.
In addition to the physical store, Apple has signed a lease agreement for over 11 years with Jio World Mall, with a provision for a 15 percent rent escalation every three years. The company has committed to paying a minimum guarantee of Rs 42 lakh per month, along with 2 percent of the revenue share for the first three years. After this initial period, Apple will pay 2.5 percent of the revenue share to the Mumbai mall.
The opening of Apple BKC and the upcoming Apple Saket store demonstrate Apple’s commitment to expanding its presence in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets. These physical retail stores are expected to further strengthen Apple’s brand presence, enhance customer experience, and drive sales in the country.
With Apple’s continued investment in the Indian market, including manufacturing and assembling operations, online and physical retail presence, and localized services, it is evident that India is a crucial market for Apple’s growth strategy. The opening of Apple BKC and the upcoming Apple Saket store marks an exciting new chapter in Apple’s journey in India, bringing its world-class retail experience to Indian customers and further solidifying its position in the country’s growing tech landscape.
