Tech giant Apple plans to boost its sales in India by setting up smaller stores.
Apple is reported to be planning stores of between 400 and 600 sqft in neighbourhood and high street locations in second-tier cities.
According to the reports, Apple is attracted to second-tier cities like Vizag, Pune, Gangtok and Guwahati because there are high numbers of consumers with growing disposable incomes in those places. The penetration of smartphones is also high there.
Apple is expected to have 200 franchise stores across 50 Indian cities by 2015, with each store focusing on cheaper, entry-level products.
“Apple wants to focus more on its entry-level models in these stores such as iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPad mini and iPad 2, which are essentially in the sub-Rs30,000 segment and also its largest-selling products in India,” said a senior executive of Apple’s trade partner.
