Apple First Retail Store in Mumbai

Mumbai: 

Tech giant Apple opened its first retail store in India in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex area today. Apple fans were seen making long queues outside the store several hours ahead of the grand opening. 

Apple flagship stores are a key cornerstone of Apple’s market outreach strategy. They focus on imparting unique customer experiences in the form of distinctive ‘town squares’ for consumers seeking aspirational lifestyles. While doing so, they provide consumers with an opportunity to touch, feel, explore and experience the devices. Beyond products, these stores act as a customer service touchpoint, and a community centre for consumers with specially curated Today at Apple sessions to explore, learn and unwind,” said Prabhu Ram, Head of Industry Intelligence Group (IIG) at CyberMedia Research (CMR). Here’s what you can expect at the store. 

Large spacious store

In the last few years, the popularity of Apple products in India has increased by leaps and bounds. This has resulted in long waiting cues outside the different Apple stores in India. This will change with the new Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) space. The store at Jio World Drive Mall is almost 22,000 square feet, making it a perfect place to accommodate more customers.

A new kind of design

The classic white-themed retail stores have been replaced by more aesthetic ones this time. Taking it a notch higher, the Apple store in Mumbai, India has some pleasing designs. The most famous Apple stores include The Cube in New York, one in Milan’s Apple Pizza Liberty, Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and more. The Apple store in India is an ode to the iconic Kaali Peeli taxi art that’s unique to Mumbai.

A wide range of inventory

The retail store in Mumbai have been stocked with a wide range of inventories including variants and colours. Expect less or no delays in getting your hands on any Apple products. “The device range available for demo and purchase in Apple stores is much larger. Stock availability is another important differentiator. Most importantly, the experience of purchase will be much different and better at Apple store – in terms of the purchase process, setting up the device or troubleshooting,” noted Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President, Client Devices & IPDS, IDC India.

A special staff for your specific needs

If you require any information about Apple products, you’d find several Apple specialists at the India store to help you out. Every detail about the products and services can be asked from these specialists. These specialists will also be able to help customers select and set up a device including services like transferring data, activating a cellular plan, choosing the right financing plan and more. 

Introducing the Genius Bar 

The Apple store in India also has a Genius Bar. This special service is provided to the customers for hands-on technical support and hardware repairs. All you have to do is make a reservation and receive help from an Apple expert. You can seek technical help for everything from setting up a device, recovering the Apple ID, and selecting an AppleCare plan, to revising subscriptions and billing. Repairs would also become very easy.

Making life even simpler for its customers, Apple has also introduced convenient delivery and pickup options, special carrier offers, great trade-in values, and expert support. Customers have the option to pick up their products in the store after purchasing them online. Apple trade-in service would also be applicable here. A customer can easily trade in an Apple or third-party device for credit toward their next purchase. 

What is ‘Today at Apple’

‘Today at Apple’ would be daily in-store sessions led by Apple Creatives that will help customers in channelling their creativity and using their devices optimally. The educational sessions will include basic lessons, how-to lessons, and lessons on how to use professional-grade programs.

People of all ages and backgrounds can take part in these sessions. The luxury brand has also invited local artists, experts, and community partners for these sessions at the BKC store. Accessibility, Art & Design, Business, Coding & Apps, Kids & Families, Products, and Music are some of the topics that will be covered during these sessions. 

What changes will come in Apple services in India?

The launch of the Apple Retail Store in India will not affect the functioning of the premium resellers. They will continue to be the touch point for everyone. It will, however, be fun to see how the first Apple-owned, Apple-operated store in the country will give a further boost to the customer’s loyalty towards the brand.