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Apple set to open sixth Apple Store in Beijing as construction permit isapproved
Apple received a construction permit to open its sixth store in Beijing, located in Daxing District. Details on the opening date are not yet available. Despite this expansion, Apple’s smartphone shipments in China decreased by 9% year-on-year during Q1, putting it fifth in the market with 9.8 million units shipped.
Key points
- Apple obtains a construction permit from the Beijing Municipal Commission for a new store in Daxing District.
- This marks the opening of the sixth Apple Store in Beijing.
- There is no announced date for the store's opening.
- Apple's smartphone shipments in China decreased by 9% year-on-year in the first quarter.
- The company ranks fifth in China's smartphone market with 9.8 million units shipped.
Why it matters
- Apple's move reflects a broader trend of companies expanding brick-and-mortar presence despite declining sales, matching the IT trend of physical digital experiences.
- In 2023, China's smartphone market showed competitive pressures, highlighting the shift in consumer preferences and the challenges faced by major brands.
- Historically, Apple's previous store openings have significantly boosted sales and brand presence in key markets.
The opening of Apple's sixth store in Beijing underscores the company's commitment to maintaining a strong retail presence in China, even as it grapples with declining sales and increased competition in the smartphone market.