The Tata Group is apparently planning to launch small exclusive Apple Stores in India soon. The group aims to launch about 400 new Apple Stores which will sell just Apple products in malls, high-street neighborhoods, and other appropriate places. To date, Apple Inc sells its products online or via authorized resellers in India, and if these stores open as planned the list of resellers would get longer.
According to a report published by Economic Times, the Tata Group aims to open these stores throughout the country and for this endeavor, Apple is collaborating with Tata-owned Infiniti Retail, the company that runs the Croma store chain in the country. This will make Infiniti Retail Apple’s franchise partner.
About the Stores
The 100 exclusive stores are expected to be of 500-600 sq. ft each and will be called Apple Authorized Resellers. However, these will differ from Apple Premium Reseller stores as they are about 1000 sq. ft in area.
These 100 new stores are expected to focus on selling iPads, iPhones, and watches while the bigger stores will sell MacBooks and the entire Apple range.
Terms of Lease
“Tata has already started discussions with premium malls and high streets for space, a retail consultant revealed adding that the lease terms include details of brands and stores that can’t be opened near the outlet. Industry sources claim that Apple has informed its local franchise partners that its company-owned stores boost business for all partners and retailers which is expected in India as well.
More will be known when the stores actually open in India.
Apple Stores in India
India currently has 160 Apple Premium Reseller stores. Interestingly, this venture by Tata Group was announced when Apple itself is about to open its store in India. Earlier Apple was about to open an offline store in 2022 in India which was later pushed to 2023. The first Apple Store is now expected to open in India between January and March 2023 in Mumbai where the company has taken around 22,000 sq. ft. of space near the Bandra Kurla complex. The 2nd store is being planned in Delhi where Apple has bought about 12,000 sq. ft of space. The company plans to open more stores in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
