Apple is planning to open 25 new stores in Greater China in the next two years to bring the grand total to 40.
Apple, the renowned smartphone making company, is looking to make peace with China as the tech giant has revealed plans to open 25 new retail stores in Greater China by the end of 2016. The announcement comes during Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to the country. A transcript of the announcement was posted on Asian news site Sina.com. In a Q&A session with the publication, Cook said the number of retail stores in Greater China will be extended to 40 from a staggering 15 within the next two years.
Cook pointed out that the existing stores are arguably the world's busiest stores with a total of 7,000 employees serving 750,000 customers. The first store in China was opened in 2008 in Beijing's Sanlitun district. The Cupertino tech giant expanded its network in the world's most populous country and added 14 stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuxi, Shenzhen and Hong Kong in the past years. Cook also insisted that China has the potential to be the greatest revenue generating market.
According to Bloomberg, China contributed $5.8 billion in sales or 14 percent of Apple's quarterly revenue in the period ending Sept. 27. It is clearly a good enough reason for Apple to make further investments in the growth of its brand in the country.
Apple launched its new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in China on Oct. 17. At the iPad launch event last week, Cook said the pre-orders for iPhone 6 in China set a new record, but failed to reveal the specific numbers.
Cook made his China trip worthy by meeting Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai to discuss the user data safety, a growing concern between Apple and China. Cook also paid a visit to Foxconn Technology Group facilities in Zhengzhou, according to his Twitter feed.
Great to meet talented people like Zhang Fan, who helps make iPhone 6 in Zhengzhou. An early highlight of this trip. pic.twitter.com/ALo5d3SiSZ
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 23, 2014
According to the transcript of the interview, Cook is said to meet with the billionaire founder of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Jack Ma, on Oct. 27 to further strengthen its position in the country.
