Apple Hong Kong IFC Store Adds Third Floor
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Apple Insider reveals that the iPhone maker is working to develop a third floor for its first Apple store in Hong Kong, which originally opened in 2011. Located at the International Finance Center (IFC), the tech giant’s signboard outside the new floor claims that it will be opening “soon,” even though no official dates have been disclosed as yet.
Apple Inc.’s ongoing attempts to expand its retail stores all around China have been increasingly evident after it rolled out new stores in Dalian, Beijing, Chengdu, and most recently, Nanning on December 12. It seems that this expansion plan is part of the tech giant’s agenda to launch at least 40 Apple Stores in China by 2016.
Even though the tech giant has launched a number of other stores in Hong Kong following its IFC-based outlet, it seems that Apple is interested in renovating its first store in the area. The company is working to create a separate staircase entry to the floor rather than extending the existing one, further creating a grander feel to the present outlet.
We believe that the company’s recent attempts to integrate its retail branches with genius bars and workshops is part of its on-going renovations to recreate a new style of store interior under the leadership of Apple’s Chief Designer, Jony Ive and Apple’s Retail and Online Stores’ senior VP, Angela Ahrendts. This may help the iPhone maker create a theme of architectural consistency between all outlets and operate distinctively against its competitors.
Since this Apple Store outlet is located in the city’s Central District and hangs over one of its busiest roads, we believe that the store expansion will help Apple lure in more customers. It also seems that the renovation will soon end, as speculation states that lights have already been switched on inside the space, possibly hinting at its upcoming opening. Judging by the company’s popularity in Asia, which has led to its drastic expansion plan; providing customers with three floors full of Apple products will surely work as a great marketing push for the tech giant in Hong Kong.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why is Apple adding a third floor to its Hong Kong IFC store?
Why is Apple adding a third floor to its Hong Kong IFC store?
The expansion is part of Apple's strategy to lure more customers, especially given the store's busy Central District location. Providing three floors of products is also expected to act as a significant marketing push for the company.
Q.Who is leading the design changes for Apple's retail stores, including this expansion?
Who is leading the design changes for Apple's retail stores, including this expansion?
Apple's Chief Designer, Jony Ive, and Angela Ahrendts, Senior VP for Retail and Online Stores, are leading the renovations. They aim to integrate features like Genius Bars and workshops for a new style of store interior.
Q.What is the broader goal behind Apple's retail store expansion in China?
What is the broader goal behind Apple's retail store expansion in China?
The expansion is part of Apple's agenda to launch at least 40 Apple Stores in China by 2016. This plan is likely driven by the company's significant popularity in Asia.
Q.What architectural detail is being added to the expanded Hong Kong IFC store?
What architectural detail is being added to the expanded Hong Kong IFC store?
The company is creating a separate staircase entry to the new floor, rather than extending the existing one. This design choice aims to give the renovated outlet a grander feel.
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