China’s newest Apple Store will open just in time for Apple Watch

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Why visit the Apple Store when you can get stuff deliver same day?
Apple's existing Westlake Store in Hangzhou, China. Photo: Foster + Partners
Photo: Apple

April 24 isn’t just about the Apple Watch. If you live in China, it’s also the day on which the second brick-and-mortar Apple Store opens in Hangzhou — following hot on the heels of the recently-opened gorgeous West Lake store in the city’s Shangcheng District.

The new store is located in the city’s Jianggan District, in a MixC mall that is also home to a number of high-end brand stores and upmarket eateries.

The details on Apple's website.
The details on Apple’s website.

With Tim Cook claiming that China is set to overtake the U.S. as Apple’s biggest market, the company is “investing like crazy in the [Chinese] market” — as demonstrated by the 25 new retail stores opening in China during 2015 and 2016, to bring the total number to 40.

Having recently taken the top spot for smartphone sales in China for the first time ever, Apple has also beaten out the likes of Gucci and Chanel to be named China’s favorite luxury brand.

To continue growing its iPhone numbers in the country, Apple recently launched a new trade-in program designed to get users to upgrade to the latest iOS device. The Apple Watch should also be a big seller in China.

Having been instrumental in coming up with a sales strategy for the Apple Watch, I wonder if the timing of the new Hangzhou store means that retail guru Angela Ahrendts will be in China for the official launch of Apple’s eagerly-anticipated wearable device…

Source: Apple

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