Apple plans a New York-like flagship store in India: Report

We might soon see a flagship Apple store in India, probably something on the lines of the iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York, which operates 24/7 throughout the year. The Economic Times reports that the iPhone maker is planning to setup a full fledged Apple store in India along with a bunch of smaller outlets in the country.

According to the report, Apple is looking at an area of over 2,000-3,000 square feet to set up its stores in India, which will include an area dedicated to technical support along with a space for small workshops. Top industry executives have revealed that the company is looking for prime retail locations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Apple recently had to resubmit its proposal for opening Apple flagship stores in India as there was certain ambiguities in the application, as the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) had sought some clarifications. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently shared his insights about investing in India to become a global technology giant. Apple is expected to unveil a new 4-inch smartphone on Monday, which analysts predict is primarily targeted at emerging markets such as India, Brazil and China.

The move by Apple has reportedly forced Korean manufacturer Samsung to setup its own flagship outlets in the country, as well as overhaul its existing stores across India. Samsung is planning to setup at least high-end flagship store that'll showcase and sell all of company's products, something on the lines of its 'Samsung D Light' located in Samsung's headquarters in Seoul.

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Besides Apple and Samsung, Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has also reportedly filed an application to open single-brand retail stores in the country, which currently sells its products through online e-commerce websites.

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