Apple Shops within the UAE are among the many firm’s busiest on the earth, the iPhone maker mentioned.
The model has been capable of construct “very sturdy” relationships with the area people, mentioned Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vp of retail. The nationwide one.
The shops, which have been in enterprise for eight years, have been a key location for the corporate’s consumer-focused technique, she mentioned.
Ms O’Brien, an Apple veteran of greater than 30 years, wouldn’t focus on plans for extra retailer openings within the UAE or elsewhere however mentioned the Cupertino-based firm is “all the time in search of alternatives around the globe”.
She mentioned the 4 Apple Shops within the UAE have “sturdy ties with our prospects.”
“We by no means touch upon our plans for the longer term, however what I need to inform you is that we’re very pleased with the 4 shops we’ve got right here,” she mentioned.
Apple Shops within the UAE sometimes obtain many shoppers throughout iPhone launches, lots of whom come from different nations, wanting to be among the many first to buy the corporate’s new flagships.
The iPhone 15 launch on September 22 was one of many greatest within the nation.
“The photographs I noticed of the strains right here within the UAE and the thrill concerning the merchandise was simply phenomenal,” mentioned Ms O’Brien, who was in China on the launch date.
One of many key differentiators for Apple Shops within the UAE is that greater than 50 nationalities are represented and practically 70 languages are spoken by the retail groups throughout the 4 places, she mentioned.
That makes the Apple Retailer community within the UAE one of many largest footprints on the earth, reflecting the Emirates’ standing as a melting pot of nationalities and variety, she added.
“For sure, that is positively one of many actually broad representations of so many various languages and cultures.”
From its first shops opened in Virginia and California in 2001, Apple at this time has a community of 526 shops in 26 nations and territories, in line with the corporate’s web site.
Apple already has 4 shops within the UAE. The primary shops at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai opened concurrently in 2015.
This was adopted by one other at The Dubai Mall in 2017, with a Photo voltaic Wings balcony that’s motorized and provides views of the Dubai Fountain.
The fourth retailer, on the Galleria Mall on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, opened in 2022 and includes a water-themed design, with flowing water alongside the doorway steps each from the waterfront and from throughout the mall, which is a primary for an Apple Retailer.
The shop’s theme pays tribute to the tradition and historical past of the UAE capital and is “one in all our most stunning shops,” mentioned Ms O’Brien.
Apple’s bodily presence additionally stays key to its retail technique, regardless of the recognition of on-line buying channels, she mentioned.
It’s tough to foretell advances in on-line buying and the way it will influence client habits or trigger a shift, Ms. O’Brien mentioned.
“An increasing number of prospects are buying on-line, and we definitely see that. We have actually targeted on creating our Apple retail expertise that’s each digital and bodily.”
Up to date: September 30, 2023, 3:00 AM
