Apple today opened its first retail store in India. Until
now, the Cupertino company has been serving its customers in India through
authorized Apple Stores, but the Apple Store experience will be a completely
different experience. Called Apple BKC, Apple's first retail store at Jio World
Drive Mall, Bandra Kurla (BKC) complex, Mumbai opened at 11:00 am IST on
Tuesday. The store, in addition to stocking every Apple product and accessory
sold in India, will also host a "Today at Apple" session, which will
help customers learn more about their device.
Tuesday's grand opening of Apple Stores drew crowds and
eager shoppers, waiting to catch a glimpse of Apple's first workings. Apple CEO
Tim Cook was also present at the inauguration of the store and, according to
earlier reports, is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this
week.
The concept of Apple Store is a first for India. And the
iPhone maker seems to have done well to make it look good and feel special. The
tech giant says that Apple BKC is designed to be one of the most efficient
Apple stores in the world. The store has its own solar panels and, according to
Apple, does not depend on fossil fuels. Apple says its stores are carbon
neutral because they run on 100% renewable energy.
The unique triangular building is made of 408 trees, making
31 modules per tile and a total of 1,000 tiles making the roof, all assembled
in Delhi, according to the company. There is a stone wall from Rajasthan and a
unique 14 meter stainless steel staircase.
In the store, Apple displays all its products, including the new line of iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch and Apple TV. These are accompanied by many accessories. The Apple Pickup service is also available at Apple Stores, which allows customers to pick up products purchased online from the store itself. A free "Today at Apple" session is also available in its stores, which will help customers better understand its products. Earlier today, Apple will host a special event as part of the "Mumbai Rising" series. These include a Music Lab, Photos Lab, Design Lab and an Art Lab.