Reliance Retail to open iStores for selling Apple products

Reliance Retail through is consumer electronic chain Reliance Digital would be opening exclusive standalone iStores selling iPods, Macintosh computers and iPhone (once it is launched in India).

Reliance has made an exclusive marketing and distribution deal with Apple for these stores. The first one would be coming up in Bangalore while 9 more would be opened by 2007 end in India.

This alliance is first of its kind for both companies as it is Reliance Retail’s first exclusive alliance with an international brand and Apple is also tying up with a corporate for distribution for the first time in the world.

The iStores apart from retailing products would also offer facilities such as a theatre for presentations, workshops, training studio, technical support, repairs and free workshops to the public.

Reliance would be able to cater to upper class mobile segment through the tie-up while Apple would get immediate presence and scale.

Currently, Apple products are sold in India through resellers which include department stores, large retail chains and specialty retail stores.

Apple iPhone in India may debut at Reliance Retail

India may join a league of 6 countries to host an Apple Store selling computers, software, iPod, Apple TV and much awaited iPhone. Japan is the only country in Asia to have an Apple Store.

Reliance Retail, which already has an electronics retail venture Reliance Digital, may bring the Apple Store to India. Apple Store is a specialised retail outlet which apart from selling Apple products, offer workshops, training and support services.

Though it remains to be seen whether Apple would like to go alone or partner with someone. Also, will it be willing to open Apple Store within the existing Reliance Digital setup or frame a separate venture for this.

Since Apple would like its brand equity to get maintained, it would not like its exclusive products to sell alongside other company’s products of a lower brand value.