Sam Oliver
Foxlink plans to build new stores in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea, according to DigiTimes. The plans would double the number of Apple-exclusive Foxlink stores in the Far East from 50 to 100.
Separately, Foxconn and its retail chain brand Cybermart plans to open a new, broader electronics store in Changchun, China. That store is expected to have a 200-square-meter section devoted to Apple products as well.
Retail in the Far East, particularly China, has become a very important component of Apple's business. Earlier this year, Apple executives revealed that the company's own proprietary stores in China were now its most visited in the entire world, and also earn the highest revenue.
Apple has bet heavily on China, and earlier this year plans for the company's fifth store in the nation were revealed, marking its third in Shanghai. It has two other stores in Beijing as well.
Apple initially planned to push quickly and built 25 total stores in China, the company revealed in 2010. But Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of retail, said this year that openings may occur slower as the company revises its plans and concentrates on building bigger stores.
Foxlink's retail plans for 50 new Apple-only stores may prove to serve to fill a void, as Apple concentrates instead on building flagship stores, like the giant glass cylinder entrance for its latest Shanghai location.
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8 Comments
Southern Ireland?
Southern Ireland?
It's a possibility. Unlike the possibility of zero here in Malaysia. But remember, you don't want this Fox-whatever retail chain. You want the real Apple Store. Where beatings by Apple staff and mobs smashing glass happens!
Maybe they'll premiere your Apple Plasma TV in your new Apple Store in Southern Ireland. I kid of course. You're far too quiet lately.
Sam,
Please reread the source article. Foxconn's retail division is Cybermart that operates in China. Foxlink is a separate company that is also expanding its Apple retailing interests.
The ambiguous name comes from the fact that Foxlink was founded by the brother of Foxconn's founder. Gou Tai Qiang and Gou Tai Ming respectively. Both companies are on Apple's supplier list.
Sam,
You're welcome. Although I would add that it's normal journalistic practice to make note of a correction at the footer of an article.
Cheers.
EDIT: Foxlink's stores trade as Studio A
Also in the East in the forth largest country (by population) in the World, there is iBox. In just a couple of years they have grown from one store to 13 stores along with repair and training centers. So in a country where only a few years ago Macs were less than 1% of the users, there is now a major presence.
www.ibox.co.id/retail