A new report from The Economic Times says Apple will be working to build a presence in India by opening small stores with their reseller partners. The stores will concentrate on sales of entry-level iPhones and iPads.
The plan follows comments from Apple India executives Maneesh Dhir and Sanjay Kaul last October stating a desire for the company to build 100 exclusive standalone stores under the franchise model throughout the country.
Apple has reportedly informed its distributors and trade partners that it is looking to set up exclusive 400-600 square foot stores located in neighborhoods and popular high-street locations. Sales will focus on iPhones and iPads, along with entry-level models of Macs and iPods.
“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-30,000 segment and also its largest-selling products in India,” said a senior executive of a leading trade partner of Apple. It was reported in January that Apple would once again begin production of the iPhone 4 to sell in India.
The publication notes that the company wants to locate the new stores in such populated areas as Pune, Vizag, Guwahati, Durgapur, and Gangtok. Apple is hoping to attract students and residents with “high disposable incomes” in those areas.
