Apple finally decides to launch stores in India

Apple Store is being launched in India and will make its debut at Tata-owned Croma, a well-known consumer electronics chain in India, according to media reports. 

As a pilot project, the company is going to launch its products at six of its locations at Malad, Juhu, Oberoi Mall, Phoenix Mall and Ghatkopar in Mumbai and at the Croma Store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. 

Avijit Mitra, CEO, Infiniti Retail said, "We are proud to partner with Apple to launch the Apple Store

in India and extremely bullish about it."

"The stores will start operating before Diwali next month", he added.

Croma will host the signature wooden tables and counters for Apple. The store's design, furniture and lighting will be the same as used in Apple stores globally. The staff will also be trained by the company.

Reportedly, Apple hasn't been successful in setting up its own stores in India because of mandatory local-sourcing norms, according to the company. 

Going to Croma will give Apple the opportunity to control the consumer experience without jumping through the bureaucratic hoops, according to ET.

According to market tracker sources, Compared to 1.1 million units sold earlier, Apple sold 1.7 million iPhones in India between October 2014 and September 2015 in the financial year.