After Mumbai BKC, CEO Tim Cook opens Apple Saket store

After launching its first mega retail store amid much fanfare in Mumbai BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), Apple chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook today officially opened another retail store at Select City Walk Mall in Saket in the national capital New Delhi.

“We’re thrilled to bring the best of Apple to our customers in Delhi, with the opening of our second store in India, Apple Saket,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. He said Apple’s “incredible team members” will look forward to connecting with the local community and helping them find new ways to pursue passions and unleash creativity through Apple products and services.

Speaking about his experience of launching the second store in India, Cook termed it as "an incredible reception". "...Delhi, thank you! We’re delighted to welcome our customers to our newest store—Apple Saket!"

The Apple CEO also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Thanking him for the warm welcome, he said: "We share your vision of the positive impact technology can make on India’s future — from education and developers to manufacturing and the environment, we’re committed to growing and investing across the country."

PM Modi said it’s an “absolute delight to meet you”. “Glad to exchange views on diverse topics and highlight the tech-powered transformations taking place in India.”

Like Mumbai BKC, says Apple, its Saket store will be a space for customers to shop Apple’s lineup of products and services, receive support from team members, and participate in its free Today at Apple sessions to learn how to get the most out of Apple devices.

But, unlike the Mumbai BKC store, Apple's Delhi store is not that big. However, it'll showcase the entire offering of Apple products and services at the facility.

The company says the interior of Apple's Saket store is “uniquely designed”, showing a curved storefront with white oak tables displaying Apple’s products and accessories, as well as a feature wall manufactured in India. "The store features a dedicated Apple Pickup station which makes it easier for customers to order online and collect their devices in-store at a convenient time. Like all Apple facilities, Apple Saket and Apple’s operations in India run on 100% renewable energy and are carbon neutral," the company adds.

The store has more than 70 highly skilled retail team members, who come from a combined 18 states in India and collectively speak more than 15 languages. For hands-on technical and hardware support, the 'Genius Bar' at Apple Saket will help with setting up a device, recovering an Apple ID, selecting an AppleCare plan, or modifying subscriptions.

Apple Saket will also offer customers free and daily in-store sessions through 'Today at Apple'. "Sessions will help customers unleash their creativity and get the most out of their devices," said the company.

The company says at Apple Saket, ‘Today at Apple’ programming will take place in a roundtable setting for a more personalised customer experience. It'll work as a place for photographers, musicians, artists, or even first-time Apple customers to get started with iPhone; edit photos on iPhone; make emojis; personalise Apple Watch and capture ideas on iPad.