Apple Files Application to Open Retail Stores in India

[MacRumors]

Apple India has filed an application with the country's department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) to open its own retail stores, according to India Times. The company is also seeking to sell its products online in India.

DIPP Secretary Amitabh Kant confirmed the application to India Times, saying they have "just received Apple's proposal" and that they are "examining it." Apple's application did not indicate how much investment it would make in opening retail stores in the country. The move comes shortly after India loosened rules involving foreign companies investing in single-brand retail and online stores.

Previously, Apple had set up a network of stores to sell its products through, including carrier stores. Last July, the Cupertino company debuted a new initiative called the Authorized Mobility Resellers program, which planned for 500 retail store affiliates in 12 cities across India. Customers in India could also not purchase Apple products through the company's website, instead getting redirected to carrier stores and resellers they could purchase their devices.

Along with China, India is becoming increasingly important to Apple's business. In July, the company noted that growth in India was over 90 percent. India Times notes that Apple's sales in the country topped $1 billion for the first time in the fiscal year ending March 2015. Additionally, in September Tim Cook told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Apple was interested in expanding its manufacturing base to the country.

Article Link: Apple Files Application to Open Retail Stores in India

 

[dannyyankou]

India is a huge market, shareholders must be thrilled.

 

[btrach144]

Shocked they don't already. India is a huge market!

 

[guychicago]

It's a red tape nightmare. This might take a couple of years minimum..

 

[Christian 5G]

Been to India just last year. Really wondering how many times the store will get robbed.

 

[Junior117]

It's great that they're stepping up their game in India. We'll see how big of a demand they'll have there.

 

[NickD73]

I wonder why Apple wasn't doing this 2 years ago.

 

[Junior117]

I wonder why Apple wasn't doing this 2 years ago.

India had a bunch of things that basically prevented Apple from doing this. Now that the current India administration relaxed those rules, Apple seems to have taken the first opportunity to do this.

 

[iLoveiTunes]

Been to India just last year. Really wondering how many times the store will get robbed.

So you were robbed is it ... Or just making [****] up ?

 

[Christian 5G]

So you were robbed is it ... Or just making [****] up ?

Once "you" actually go to India and experience and actually walk around and get the feeling in the different country of their what's called civilization -you will get what I'm saying.

 

[iMember]

I wonder why Apple wasn't doing this 2 years ago.

Probably because Apple reminds them of Adam & Eve

 

[MH01]

About time! Welcome

 

[vseera]

Pretty smart move considering the markets in the West are quite saturated.

 

[killawat]

Would love to see a Bollywood style dance to celebrate the opening.

 

[Menopause]

Been to India just last year. Really wondering how many times the store will get robbed.

Most ridiculous thing I've read this week.

 

[EdwardSmith36]

As far as my knowledge is concerned, India is the leading country that carries higher number of cell phone users.

 

[chineseguy38]

What's the point in opening retail store in India when they try to rip them off?! The most expensive place to buy an iPhone 6s/ 6s plus when they were released? Not many people can afford anyway.

 

[Kajje]

Pretty smart move considering the markets in the West are quite saturated.

There's no such thing as saturated for a company that release a new model every year.

The most expensive place to buy an iPhone 6s/ 6s plus when they were released? Not many people can afford anyway.

There is a huge gap between the upper and lower class people in India. Roughly speaking you either are poor as a rat or rich as a king. If just the 1% upper class would buy an iPhone that's still 1,200,000 units. And they do not care if that phone costs $1 or $1000.

 

[furi0usbee]

Hopefully they add some public restrooms...

 

[StevenPG]

And here comes the IPhone 6Sc.

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

Once "you" actually go to India and experience and actually walk around and get the feeling in the different country of their what's called civilization -you will get what I'm saying.

You must have had a terrible stay, you should pretty much stop getting out of your cave.
[doublepost=1453296152][/doublepost]

There is a huge gap between the upper and lower class people in India. Roughly speaking you either are poor as a rat or rich as a king. If just the 1% upper class would buy an iPhone that's still 1,200,000 units. And they do not care if that phone costs $1 or $1000.

THIS. Most people just don't get this.

Edit - http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/india-s-population-of-rich-rising-report/133536.html

"The report defines HNWIs as those having investable assets of $1 million (Rs 6.5 crore) or more, excluding primary residence, collectibles, consumables, and consumer durables."

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

The iPhone 6S in India costs ₹44,810.
The average monthly wage is ₹20,027.

Nothing like spending more than 2 months salary to buy a phone. Save another 6 months and you should be able to afford to get service for that phone.

 

[thewap]

Been to India just last year. Really wondering how many times the store will get robbed.

Apple store would probably in New Delhi where the 0.0001% live and play.

 

[cdmoore74]

Once "you" actually go to India and experience and actually walk around and get the feeling in the different country of their what's called civilization -you will get what I'm saying.

After seeing street vendors wash their fruits and vegetables in running sewer water I believe it. I know Apple would only target the richest of all areas but I've seen some pretty wicked stuff that can not be repeated here. I really don't see it making a difference for Apple. But heck; it's their money.

 

[thewap]

Once "you" actually go to India and experience and actually walk around and get the feeling in the different country of their what's called civilization -you will get what I'm saying.

I hear you, India is a country of extreme paradoxes, beauty and the beast.