Apple, the Cupertino-based leading technology giant has decided to get serious about its sales in Indian market. First reported by BGR India back in July this year, the story has now resurfaced again with Business Today reporting an increase in the share price of Apple’s prime distributor, Redington India. The world’s most commendable brand has plans to open 500 iOS stores all across India including in smaller towns and cities. Although the expansion plan has been tentatively approved, the stores which are going to be launched in smaller towns and cities would be smaller in size i.e 300 to 600 sq.ft, unlike the exclusive apple stores which are thrice their size. Apple also plans to increase its expenditure on direct advertising in India.
Apple which recently crossed a market capitalization of $700 Billion, has been in India since 2011 but has so far but in terms of volume hasn’t created a huge dent in the Indian markets unlike its Korean rival Samsung. Samsung currently tops the smartphone market in India and are followed by new players like Micromax and Xiaomi.
Historically, India was never in the cross-hairs of Apple up until recently. Before the iPhone 4s, Apple’s smartphones have almost always launched much after the international launches. Even the original iPad launched in India just a few months before Apple unveiled the iPad 2. That didn’t stop Apple ‘fanboys’ who have always managed to get their hands on these gadgets by asking their friends & family to ship the gadgets from abroad. The reason Apple did not pay attention to Indian markets is because of the premium nature of their gadgets was not suitable to the Indian audience. But, the scenario has drastically changed over the last few years. The purchasing power of Indians has been on the rise due to improvements in socio-economic conditions.
Apple currently operates in India through two key distributors – Redington and Ingram Micro who then supply to the Apple Premium Re-Seller stores and Apple Authorized Re-Seller outlets. Redington handles 70% of Apple’s business in India. Apple is now finalizing plans to become a serious player in India which is a key part of their global strategy. It will no longer ignore the potential of the Indian market and the only way to strengthen its grip here is with this expansion. Apple believes that there is high scope for sales in smaller towns and cities like Amritsar, Pathankot, Moga, Coimbatore, Trichy, Nagpur and Nasik. Apart from penetrating Indian markets for sales, Apple also wants to give you a proper experience with adequate product demonstration of its devices.
The iPhone Help
The iPhone Help