Tata Group is reportedly planning to open 100 small exclusive Apple Stores in India. The information comes from The Economic Times, citing two people familiar with the development. Apple is partnering with Tata-owned Infiniti Retail which runs the Croma store chain.
Currently, Apple has 160 Premium Reseller stores across India. As a part of the partnership with Tata, the Cupertino-based tech giant is set to open its first flagship store in Mumbai in the March quarter.
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Tata Group expected to open small exclusive Apple stores
Apple’s Premium Reseller outlets are usually over 1,000 square feet in area and larger than Authorised Resellers. The former provides access to the entire product lineup along with Apple-certified staff. The Tata-owned Infiniti Retail is said to open 100 Apple-exclusive outlets of 500-600 square feet each. These are said to be located in malls as well as high-street neighbourhoods.
The report adds that Tata has already started discussions for space. The lease terms include details of brands and stores that can’t be opened near the outlet, said a retail consultant aware of the matter. The smaller exclusive Apple stores are expected to sell iPhones, iPads, and Watches compared to Premium Reseller outlets.
Apple has been aiming to significantly ramp up its Made in Indian manufacturing plans. The company’s contract manufacturers, Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, are tipped to scale and triple their production in the next two years.