Tim Cook Throws Open India’s First Apple Store In Mumbai

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday Launched India's First Apple Store in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex amid long queues of excited fans, loud cheers, and countless selfies.

Cook threw open the gates to the 28,000 sq ft store this morning, which is set to function as a one-stop destination for product sales, services, and accessories, providing a top-notch experience to customers. Apple's second retail store in India is all set to open in the national capital on Thursday.

Cook expressed his amazement at the energy and passion of Mumbai, calling it "incredible." "We are so excited to open Apple BKC - our first store in India," he tweeted after the opening. Apple stores are not only renowned for their top-notch customer experience, but also for their architectural marvels, adding to an unrivaled customer experience.

Apple's retail store openings have generated much excitement among users of the tech giant’s products. Fans have travelled from far and wide, including Gujarat and Rajasthan, to attend the grand opening of the store. One fan was seen carrying a vintage Apple computer he had bought in 1984. He said he brought it to show Apple's journey and how far the company has come.

Many of those waiting in queue had been waiting since the previous evening and were seen flashing their Apple products. One fan was quoted as saying they had been camping outside the store without food or a shower for hours. Another fan who had come from Rajasthan expressed his excitement, saying that Apple devices had made his life so much better.

Cook is visiting India for the store launches and expressed his excitement on Twitter yesterday. Apple’s focus on India as a key market is aimed at reducing its dependence on China at a time when relations between Washington DC and Beijing are strained.

Cook will also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Delhi visit for the store launch to discuss the tech giant’s plan for India and how the government can support them.

The opening of Apple's retail stores underlines its growing plans for India, which is the world's second-largest mobile phone market. The tech giant currently has a share of about four per cent in India’s huge smartphone market, which is dominated by Chinese and South Korean manufacturers, primarily due to high prices of its products. However, Apple is now focusing on a retail push and expanding its local manufacturing footprint in India.

“This week, as Apple celebrates more than 25 years in India, the company is marking a major expansion with the opening of its first Apple Store locations in the country, along with new environmental initiatives and a key milestone in the rapidly growing community of Indian developers,” the company said in a statement.