Apple Inc. is to set up two new stores in Beijing and Shanghai, according to people close to the electronic product provider.

Apple originally planned to establish its first and second China-based retail stores in Beijing’s Qianmen Street and Sanlitun Area, respectively. In July 2008, the Sanlitun store started service. But the Qianmen store is still under construction due to the problems such as infrastructure and will make its debut in the future.

Besides, another Apple retail store is expected to be opened in Shanghai, said insiders, who are not clear whether the Qianmen store or the Shanghai store would be opened firstly.

The stores mainly serve as showrooms and experience centers, but are not expected to lift Apple’s local sales to a large extent, according to analysts. On the other hand, the outlets established by Apple’s distributors contribute to most of the sales.

In addition, the Apple products are often cheaper in the Beijing Zhongguancun Science Park, where smuggled Apple products are sold, too.

Source: www.ittime.com.cn (February 25, 2009)

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