Apple to open its first retail store in Hong Kong later this month

by Kenny Hemphill on September 6, 2011

Apple is to open a retail store in Hong Kong’s International Finance Center Mall later this month, according to Carolyn Wu, an Apple spokeswoman based Beijing.

The company hasn’t confirmed a date for the opening, though it did say it would take place this quarter. The quarter ends on 30 September and local media reports have the date as 24 September. According to The Ming Pao Daily, the store will occupy two storeys and 20,000 square feet.

The store will be Apple’s first in Hong Kong, and joins four in mainland China, two in Beijing and two in Shanghai. The company plans to open another 20 stores in China in the next couple of years to capitalise on the huge demand for its products in the country.

Currently one dollar in every seven Apple makes in revenue comes from China. That’s six times more than last year.

During a conference call with analysts after Apple’s last quarterly financial results were announced, CEO Tim Cook remarked on the growth rate: ‘This has been a substantial opportunity for Apple and I firmly believe that we’re just scratching the surface right now. I think there is an incredible opportunity for Apple there.’

Tagged as: Apple, China, retail store

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  • Anonymous

    Yes, it will be in the ITC Mall in Central District. But one interesting point is Apple has had a strong market in HK for years based on VARs and, in fact, has displaced the largest in this ITC shop as they lost their lease when Apple hunted the space, which is a really prime location.

    Given the small geographical size of HK, I think the question is now what will happen to their VARs. When visiting last month I put that question to one I have patronized for years, who’s entire business is based of Apple and he just shrugged and said “Let’s see, can’t be entirely good for us”.

    Personally I think this will have a negative effect on the smaller and more loyal of these VARs who have put all their eggs in one basket, they are likely to maintain their B2B clients but the man in the street will surely be drawn to the Apple Store.

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