Apple Saket opens as company's second retail store in India
What's the story
Apple has inaugurated its second brick-and-mortar store in the country, called Apple Saket. The company's CEO, Tim Cook, inaugurated the new store in Delhi. It will operate on all days between 10:00am to 11:00pm.
At Apple Saket, you can check out the latest Apple products, participate in free hands-on sessions, pick up orders you place online, and much more.
Building
The new store runs 100% on renewable energy
Located in Select CITYWALK mall in the southern part of New Delhi, the store runs completely on renewable energy, in view of the company's goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Inspired by Delhi's many gates, Apple Saket features a curved storefront and was constructed using locally sourced materials. The store boasts an attractive barricade designed in shades ranging from blue to yellow.
Products
Latest Apple products are displayed on white oak tables
Apple products, including the new iPhone 14 in yellow, are displayed on white oak tables for customers to review and purchase.
You will receive support from over 70 trained professionals, who can collectively converse in 15 languages and come from 18 different states in India.
You can also place an order online and collect the products from the store's Apple Pickup station.
Activities
Experts at the in-store Genius Bar will clarify your queries
You can consult experts at the Genius Bar in Apple Saket, but you will have to make a reservation for that. The experts will help you set up your device, recover your Apple ID and clarify your queries.
There will also be in-store Today at Apple sessions, led by Apple Creatives. These sessions will help customers get accustomed to Apple's products.
Sessions
Today at Apple sessions will be conducted for free
The Today at Apple sessions will be conducted every day and will provide a personalized experience. You can book a spot at these events by visiting the official website.
With a focus on helping the general audience, including first-time Apple customers, photographers, and artists, the sessions will provide tips to get started, photography hacks, and editing techniques, among others.
Difference
Apple Saket is much smaller than Apple BKC
The launch of Apple Saket comes two days after the company launched Apple BKC, its flagship store in Mumbai.
Compared to Apple BKC, which spans roughly 20,000 square feet, Apple Saket is less than half the size at 8,400 square feet.
Both stores differ vastly in terms of design and architecture. Apple BKC is said to be inspired by Mumbai's Kaali Peeli taxi art.
Rent
Apple Saket will pay monthly rent of Rs. 40 lakh
Both Apple BKC and Apple Saket will pay similar rents, although the latter is much smaller. The Mumbai store will reportedly pay Rs. 42 lakh/month whereas the Delhi outlet will pay Rs. 40 lakh/month.
Reportedly, the rental agreement for Apple BKC prohibits 22 rival brands, including Google and Microsoft, from occupying nearby retail spaces or displaying advertisements in the vicinity of the Apple store.