Vietnam is not yet included in Apple's plans to open a store.

According to internal sources, Apple plans to overhaul or open 21 stores in the Asia- Pacific region, focusing on China and Japan.

Apple Store in Shanghai, China. Photo: Bloomberg

Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to expand its retail chain in China and other Asian markets, while its stores in the US and Europe will be revamped.

By 2027, Apple plans to open 15 new stores in the Asia- Pacific region, 5 in Europe and the Middle East, and 4 in the US and Canada. None of these will be in Vietnam.

The company also plans to relocate or renovate six stores in Asia, nine in Europe, and 13 in North America. In total, 53 Apple stores will be opened, relocated, or renovated over the next four years.

First store in Malaysia

Apple's move aims to breathe new life into its stores after 22 years. The Apple retail chain has faced challenges due to the pandemic, customer service, and labor instability in recent years.

Apple wants to build its brand in emerging markets like India, while also providing a better shopping experience than in the US and Europe.

The source highlighted several notable stores in Apple's plan, including three stores in India, the first store in Malaysia, and a major overhaul of a store in Paris, France.

The company also plans to open new stores at Battersea Station in London (UK) and Jing'an Temple Plaza in Shanghai (China).

Apple's plan to expand and overhaul its stores worldwide by 2027. Photo: Bloomberg

The locations and operating hours are still in the proposal stage, meaning things could change in the future. However, most of the stores on the list have finalized their construction locations.

Apple currently has over 520 stores in 26 countries, with more than 50% located in the US. These stores are known for their large size and focus on brand building rather than sales. However, they remain a popular destination for customers looking to purchase products early, send items for warranty service, or attend workshops and training sessions.

Apple's retail operations are overseen by Deirdre O'Brien, Senior Vice President of Retail. Additionally, store construction and maintenance are managed by Kristina Raspe, Director of Global Real Estate and Facilities.

China remains the focus.

According to internal documents, Apple operates four types of stores: standard Apple Stores located in shopping malls, Apple Store+ which can be in shopping malls or outdoors, flagship stores in prime locations with unique designs, and flagship+ stores with the largest area and highest operating costs.

Standard stores generate over $40 million in revenue annually, while Apple Store+ brings in over $45 million. Flagship stores earn over $75 million, while flagship+ stores generate over $100 million annually.

Apple's store expansion focus is on the Asia-Pacific region, with 21 new or renovated locations planned by 2027.

This market generated $130 billion in revenue for Apple in 2022, with countries like India being among the emerging markets.

Later this year, Apple will open a store in a new shopping mall in Wenzhou, China, and upgrade its store in Ninjing East, Shanghai.

The company also plans to open two more stores in South Korea, bringing the total number of Apple Stores in Samsung's home country to seven.

By 2024, Apple plans to open its first store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Apple Store in Mumbai, India, opened in April. Photo: Bloomberg

In Shanghai, the company may open a new store in Jing An Temple Plaza, renovate a Shanghai location, and open its first store in Foshan.

China accounts for 9 out of the 21 planned new and renovated stores in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the worsening US-China relationship, Apple remains heavily reliant on the country with the world's largest population.

Earlier this year, CEO Tim Cook visited China, emphasizing the close cooperation between the two sides.

Upgrade your experience in the US and Europe.

In Europe, Apple plans to open a new store in Battersea, London (UK) as early as June, followed by a store in La Vaguada shopping mall, Madrid (Spain), and to relocate a store in the UK.

Last year, the European market generated over $95 billion for Apple, equivalent to a quarter of its total revenue. The UK is its third-largest retail market with around 40 stores.

According to Bloomberg, most of the stores slated for overhaul or relocation are outdated. They are largely smaller than other stores, lacking dedicated pickup areas or workshop spaces. Apple's design style has also changed over the years, shifting from a metal emphasis to wood.

The shopping experience is also an area Apple wants to improve. In recent years, Apple Store customers and employees have frequently complained about service quality, work policies, and compensation.

In the US and many other countries, campaigns to establish labor unions also cause headaches for companies.

Over the next year, Apple plans to relocate four stores in the UK, one in France, and open a fourth in Sweden. By 2025, the company plans to open a fifth store in the UAE, located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.

In the U.S. and Canada, Apple is focusing on overhauling and relocating stores rather than opening new ones. Of the 18 stores, 13 will be relocated and one will undergo a major overhaul. Among them, the store at Birkdale Village Shopping Mall in North Carolina will replace the Charlotte location, which abruptly closed in March following a series of shootings.

According to Zing

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