Apple Store to Open First Branch in Malaysia

In Pursuit of the Southeast Asian Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Apple is opening a directly operated retail store, Apple Store, in Malaysia. This move is interpreted as an effort to strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian market as a revenue source, following the full-scale shift of production bases to countries like India and Vietnam.

According to Bloomberg on the 25th (local time), Apple recently posted job openings on its Malaysian site for store managers, technical experts, support staff, corporate sales representatives, and operations specialists.

The job posting did not disclose the location of the first store, but the news agency reported that it is highly likely to be in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Apple currently has Apple Stores in two Southeast Asian countries, Thailand and Singapore, and the total number of Apple Store locations worldwide exceeds 500.

Apple currently generates sales in Malaysia through its online store, and last year, it recorded approximately $29 billion (about 35.8 trillion KRW) in sales in the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan and Greater China, where it operates offline Apple Stores.

The first Apple Store opened in the United States in 2001, selling product lines such as iPhone, Mac computers, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, and related accessories, while also providing product repair services and customer consultations.

Apple declined to comment on the launch of the Apple Store in Malaysia.