Mi Hong Kong opens doorways
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Chinese language smartphone maker Xiaomi has opened its first retail retailer outdoors the Mainland.
The Mi Hong Kong retailer – dubbed Mi Residence – is a 270 sqm area inside Hollywood Plaza at 610 Nathan Rd in Mongkok.
We are saying ‘area’ as a result of the shop was created as someplace “identical to residence” – someplace Mi house owners, or potential house owners, would really feel at house.
As the pictures launched by Xiaomi present it’s a lot like an Apple retailer, however with out the huge product vary. As an alternative there are brightly colored sofas and cushions and big flat display TVs.
Hugo Barra, the previous Google government who’s now VP of Xiaomi International, promised final month Xiaomi would create “a service and retailer expertise that feels identical to house, we would like a spot that feels so snug you’re simply completely happy to return and hang around”.
In addition to permitting clients to check out the handsets and examine fashions, the shop has a service assure: clients can deliver a telephone in to be fastened and wait not than 19 minutes earlier than with the ability to take it away.
“Xiaomi was launched in China in 2011 but has already turn out to be the world’s third largest smartphone model – and the most important within the mainland.”
Xiaomi was launched in China in 2011 but has already turn out to be the world’s third largest smartphone model – and the most important within the mainland. Final yr it bought 60 million handsets, virtually all of them in Mainland China. Founder and CEO Lei Jun, China’s 23rd richest man, is now increasing the model into different shopper electronics strains.
And the corporate has begun what guarantees to be a relentless march overseas. In addition to opening its flagship in Mongkok – virtually definitely a check earlier than the idea is rolled out elsewhere – it has began promoting equipment like headphones on-line within the US and Europe.
Thus far it isn’t promoting handsets in both market, however Mi telephones are discovering their approach into different markets by way of distributors and gray imports.
Xiaomi launched its new Mi 4i handset in Hong Kong on Might 12 at HK$1599 – a handset with a 5.5 inch display and 15 megapixel ahead digital camera, operating Android. On the equal of US$206, it’s a potential class killer as soon as shoppers develop to belief the Mi model. An Apple iPhone 6 begins at $5588 (US$720). It’s Xiaomi’s first telephone developed for the worldwide market.
Xiaomi has a small community of 19 retail shops in Mainland China, dubbed Mi Houses and 541 service centres operated by companions in eight markets.
So far most of its handsets are bought on-line and thru a small group of retail companions in Hong Kong and India.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary purpose of the new Mi Hong Kong store?
What is the primary purpose of the new Mi Hong Kong store?
The store allows customers to test handsets and examine models. It also offers a service where phones can be fixed within 19 minutes, aiming to provide a comfortable, home-like experience for current and potential Mi owners.
Q.How does Xiaomi's global expansion strategy involve markets outside of Hong Kong?
How does Xiaomi's global expansion strategy involve markets outside of Hong Kong?
Xiaomi is already selling accessories like headphones online in the US and Europe, but not handsets yet. The Hong Kong store is likely a test before rolling out the concept elsewhere as part of its march overseas.
Q.What are the key specifications and price of the new Mi 4i handset launched in Hong Kong?
What are the key specifications and price of the new Mi 4i handset launched in Hong Kong?
The Mi 4i handset, launched at HK$1599 (US$206), features a 5.5-inch screen and a 15-megapixel forward camera, running on Android. It is Xiaomi’s first phone developed for the global market.
Q.How significant is this new store in Hong Kong for Xiaomi's overall retail strategy?
How significant is this new store in Hong Kong for Xiaomi's overall retail strategy?
The Mi Hong Kong store is Xiaomi's first retail presence outside Mainland China. It's considered a flagship location and almost certainly a test before the concept is rolled out more widely as part of their global expansion.
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