Sorry but being from Brazil and living in the US for over 10 years it still drives me crazy that Brazilians HAVE to have whatever is sold in the US. If Americans are buying, that must be cool so we have to have it. Brazilians do not buy iPhones because they are great phones. They buy because they like to show off. I just came back from a business trip to Brazil and could not believe how many people I saw sitting in fancy restaurants with an iPad open sitting on the table just to show others they had it. Same in business meetings when people bring an iPad, open them and leave them on the table again just to show off. I agree that Sao Paulo should have an Apple Store but unfortunately that won’t bring prices down. It will probably be located at Iguatemi or JK Malls where only millionaires can afford and again they will buy devices to show off. Sad!!!!!
You are mistaken. Certainly Brazilians pay higher prices in comparison to US and Europe. Cars is just an example of how industries/retailers here have larger margin profits than in most countries with the same product. However, Brazilians are also willing to pay for premium brand goods, such as Apple devices. Your opinion is also wrong about Brazilians wanting expensive goods only to show off. I am one who have paid almost U$1200 for an iPhone 4S. Expensive? Yes, but I had the money and I wanted the best smartphone available for my business and my private life. Wake up man, Brazil is not the perfect place for shopping, but it's one of the driving forces in today's global economy. It is still light years behind US and Europe, even in time of crises in the last two. But its economy is strong enough to Apple consider a retail store here. Good for Apple, good for us.