The Times of India is reporting that Apple has tentatively agreed to a proposed retailer expansion in India that will see the addition of 500 reseller retail locations in underserved areas of the country. Apple is pushing to become a more mainstream brand in the country, where rival Samsung currently dominates the smartphone market.
“All this will change now,” the source said. “The company is finalizing plans to become a serious player in India, which is being seen as a strategic and one of the most promising markets globally.”
Apple has sold approximately one million iPhones in India this year, (through September), but the expansion could boost numbers to above three million in 2015, said a person familiar with Apple’s plans.
The report says Apple’s distribution plans will likely make use of local distributors Redington and Ingram Micro. Both companies distribute products like the iPhone to Apple Resellers and regional distributors. The new stores will range from 300 to 600 feet, and will likely take on a franchise model led by Redington. Current outlets, in the country’s larger cities, are usually around 2,000 square fee in size.
A similar rumor circulated back in March, claiming Apple was working to open smaller, 400-600 square foot shops in underserved areas of India. The stores would focus on iPhones and iPads, along with entry-level models of Macs and iPods.
