Finally Apple comes to ‘India’…

Finally Apple comes to ‘India’…

Ira Singh
18th April’23

Apple CEO Tim Cook has inaugurated the company’s first retail store in India, marking a significant milestone for the tech giant’s ambitions in the world’s second-most populous country.

The store, located in the financial capital Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex area(BKC), opened its doors to customers on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.According to reports people from across India came to Mumbai to participate in the opening event, which also featured local music and folk dance performances.The design of the Mumbai store – which is located in an upscale neighbourhood – has been inspired by the black-and-yellow taxis that are ubiquitous in the city.
The store is spread over three floors and covers an area of 20,000 square feet, making it one of the largest Apple stores in the world, according to sources.

Cook was seen personally welcoming customers as employees cheered and clapped at the company’s new outlet in Mumbai. He is widely expected to appear at a second store opening in Delhi on Thursday,20th April’23.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cook said, “It is an incredible honor to be in India and to open the first Apple retail store here. We are incredibly excited about the potential for growth in this market, and we are committed to supporting and investing in the talented and creative community here.”

The opening of Apple’s first retail store in India is significant for several reasons, one of which is its potential to create job opportunities for women.At the opening ceremony, Cook highlighted the importance of empowering women in India and announced several initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and female entrepreneurship. These initiatives include a program to provide training and resources for women-led businesses, as well as a scholarship program to support girls’ education.

Soon after throwing open the doors of Apple’s Mumbai store, Tim Cook tweeted to laud the city’s ‘energy, creativity’. “The energy, creativity, and passion in Mumbai is incredible! We are so excited to open Apple BKC — our first store in India,” he tweeted.

During the opening ceremony, Cook highlighted the significance of the Kaichi Dham temple, which is located just a few miles from the new store. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology, and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

“We are honored to be opening our first retail store in India, and we are especially excited to be so close to the Kaichi Dham temple,” Cook said. “We understand the importance of this sacred site to the local community, and we are committed to being good neighbors and supporters of the people who visit it.”

India is a critical market for Apple, as the country’s smartphone market is projected to become the second-largest in the world by 2025, with over 900 million smartphone users. However, the company has faced challenges in the country, including high import taxes and a lack of retail presence.

Apple has been trying to increase its market share in India by expanding its retail footprint and investing in local manufacturing. The company has also been trying to strengthen its ties with the Indian government, particularly with the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to sources.

Cook’s visit to India comes at a time when Apple is facing increasing scrutiny over its business practices, particularly with regards to its App Store policies. The company has been facing regulatory challenges in several countries, including the United States and the European Union, according to recent reports.

Despite these challenges, Apple remains one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $2 trillion. The opening of its first retail store in India is a significant step towards expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.