Apple Closes Its First Store in China Amid Market Shifts
Apple is closing its retail store in Parkland Mall, Dalian City, marking its first-ever store closure in China since entering the market in 2008. The company cited changes in the shopping complex and a significant drop in foot traffic as key reasons behind the decision. Several well-known brands, including Coach and Hugo Boss, have already left the mall due to similar challenges.
According to Apple, the closure aims to maintain a strong customer experience across Greater China, where it operates over 50 stores. Dalian has two Apple locations less than 10 minutes apart; the Olympia 66 mall store will remain open. Employees from the closing store will have opportunities to transfer to other Apple locations nearby.
Market Pressures and Strategic Shifts
China has been Apple’s second-largest retail market after the US but faces rising competition from local smartphone makers. Over the years, the retail landscape has shifted, and several global brands have reduced their presence in malls like Parkland. Consequently, Apple’s move is seen as a defensive response to these pressures.
Despite this closure, Apple continues to expand in China and other markets. The company plans to open new stores in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai within the next year. For example, a new store in Shenzhen’s Uniwalk Qianhai is set to open in mid-August.
Expansion Beyond China
Apple is also growing its retail presence worldwide. It recently announced new stores in Saudi Arabia, including an iconic location at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah. Additionally, Apple is adding stores in Detroit, the United Arab Emirates, Bengaluru, and opened its first Malaysian store last year.
The company also opened a new store in Osaka, Japan, on July 26. This ongoing global expansion highlights Apple’s strategy to balance store closures with opening new locations in promising markets.
