Apple’s big retail push in China will see the company open its seventh store in Shanghai with a big launch December 10.
[contextly_auto_sidebar] The new store will be located in the Vanke Mall in Qibao. Doors open at 10 a.m. local time.
Instead of having reduced hours a few days a week, like Apple’s shops in North America and Europe, the Qibao store will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
China hasn’t provided Apple with quite as much growth as the company was hoping for, thanks to a tough economy and competition from cheaper Android phones that offer high-end features. Apple has been looking at India and other countries for potential new markets, but China will remain part of its long-term strategy.
The new Qibao store will be Apple’s 489th location worldwide. Apple should have 500 stores operating by early 2017.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
