Apple To Launch Its First Online Store In India
Apple's online store will soon be accessible to Indians, as the American tech giant is coming with its first online retail store in India on September 23. With the help of an online store, the company will directly engage with its customers in India. Till date, the company was selling its products through third-party e-commerce firms such as Amazon and Flipkart, but the scenario is now set to change. Apple Inc CEO, Tim Cook announced on twitter about the launch of the store.
We know how important it is for our customers to stay in touch with those they love and the world around them. We can't wait to connect with our customers and expand support in India with the Apple Store online on September 23! ????????https://t.co/UjR31jzEaY
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 18, 2020
Apple had been eyeing the Indian market since the last few years, and after the relaxed FDI guidelines from the government, Apple was excited to offer online and in-store experience to Indian users. Finally, after this move, this year, Apple will start selling its products online. The online store will indeed offer a premium experience to Indian customers, who are turning to e-commerce more rapidly now, following the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier in February, Apple Inc CEO, Tim Cook had said in Apple's shareholder meeting that "I don't want somebody else to run the brand for us.” For many Indians, this statement from Cook was an indication that soon Indians could get the first Apple store.
After launching the online store in India, Apple is also looking forward to launch a couple of Apple physical retail stores in India. The first store will be launched in Mumbai and the second one will be launched in Bangalore.
With Taiwanese manufacturer, Wistron, Apple has also started its hiring process for the local production of iPhone 12 in India. As per reports, Apple has a target of hiring 10,000 Indian locals, out of 10,000, 2,000 locals have already been hired by the company.
Indians will also enjoy the benefit of iPhone production in India, as they will now be exempt from paying import tax on iPhones.