Apple has officially opened doors to the public at its Westlake store in Hangzhou, China. The Westlake Apple Store is one of five retail stores opening in the country before the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 19. Apple has promoted the launch of the store – which is the largest Apple Store in Asia – with a mural by famed calligrapher Wang Dongling.
Tim Cook shared the launch of the Westlake store on Twitter:
Starting Something New in Hangzhou, China! #AppleStoreWestLake pic.twitter.com/8L5gVKfLjn
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 24, 2015
The new stores increase Apple’s retail presence in China to 20, with Tim Cook stating that a further 25 stores will be opened in the country over the next two years. With iPhone sales amounting to 45 percent of all smartphone sales in the country, it makes sense for Apple to focus its attention in the region.
Source: Apple