Apple is planning to triple the size of its reseller network in India by 2015. Franchisees in the country say they have been asked to scale up operations, as Apple is planning aggressive growth there, with plans to grow to 200 stores.
The Economic Times, via MacRumors:
In addition to increasing the number of Apple exclusive stores, called Apple Premium Resellers, that are owned and managed by 17 franchisees, the company also plans to expand its presence in multi-brand stores, they said.
Some of these plans are said to have been discussed during last month’s Mumbai visit of Hugeues Asseman, Apple’s vicepresident (sales) for Europe, Middle-East, India, and Africa. Asseman met key trade partners and franchisee owners to take stock of the company’s India business and to outline the company’s expansion plans.
Earlier this year, we reported that Apple’s aggressive approach to the Indian market had resulted in a 400% sales increase, after Apple had begun an ”extensive advertising and marketing campaign” for their iPhone.
Today’s report also notes that Apple has been unable to open its own retail stores in the country, as Indian regulators require single brand stores such as the Apple Store to source 30% of their products from within the country. Currently the Cupertino firm does not manufacture any of its products in India.
Apple is asking franchisees to upgrade their stores to global specifications, including design, and layout. The outlets will include a lot of glass decor, just like Apple’s company-owned stores in the U.S. The cost of remodeling is expected to be more than Rs 1 crore per location, and the company will reimburse the franchisee owners over a year.
