Apple CEO Tim Cook touched down in Mumbai on Monday, ready to inaugurate the first-ever company-owned Apple store in India. Located at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, the grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday. Cook shared a photo of himself with store employees on Twitter, writing, “Hello, Mumbai! We can’t wait to welcome our customers to the new Apple BKC tomorrow.”
In anticipation of the opening, Cook expressed his excitement to build on Apple’s 25-year history in India. “India has such a beautiful culture and an incredible energy, and we’re excited to build on our long-standing history — supporting our customers, investing in local communities, and working together to build a better future with innovations that serve humanity,” he said in a statement about Apple’s maiden stores in India.
On Monday, Apple granted tech bloggers and reviewers a sneak peek into the unique and massive store. The Apple BKC store is touted to be the most sustainable among Apple stores worldwide, marking a significant expansion of the company’s operations in a country that is becoming increasingly crucial for its future growth.
The Apple store is designed to be one of the most energy-efficient Apple Store locations in the world, running on 100 percent renewable.
The Mumbai store’s opening coincides with the iPhone maker’s 25th anniversary in India. In the Reliance Jio World Drive mall, Apple BKC has a distinct “kaali peeli” theme inspired by Mumbai’s iconic black and yellow taxis. The store features stone sourced from Rajasthan for the walls, with 4.5 lakh pieces of timber adorning the ceiling. Reflecting Apple’s emphasis on inclusivity, the team of 100 staff members on the floor will speak 18 Indian languages.
In addition to the Mumbai store, Apple announced plans to open its second store in Delhi on April 20, unveiling the barricade for the outlet named Apple Saket. Inspired by Delhi’s many gates, each signifying a new chapter in the city’s storied past, the Delhi store’s design reflects the city’s rich heritage. While significantly smaller than the Mumbai outlet, the Delhi store will reportedly cost the tech giant ₹40 lakh monthly rent.
During his visit, Cook is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, according to reports.
Apple BKC will offer a special Today at Apple series, “Mumbai Rising,” running from Tuesday, April 18 — the store’s opening day — through the summer. Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, said, “Apple BKC is a reflection of Mumbai’s vibrant culture and brings together the best of Apple in a beautiful, welcoming space for connection and community.”
The “Mumbai Rising” series will feature free sessions with local artists and creatives, offering hands-on activities that celebrate the local community and culture using Apple products and services.
Earlier this week, the company curated a special playlist on the Apple Music app, tuned to the sounds of Mumbai and Delhi. Apple also released special wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to celebrate the launch of its first store in India.
According to data from the India Cellular and Electronics Association, smartphones worth $9 billion were exported from India between April 2022 and February of this year, with iPhones accounting for over 50% of that amount.
The launch of Apple’s first local stores in India this week is expected to serve as key retail and showcase points for the company, potentially boosting sales. These stores will also double as support centers, making it easier for customers to return products and receive repairs.
