Reliance to sell iPhone, iPod and Mac computers

Reliance Retail has clinched an exclusive marketing and distribution deal with the iPod, iPhone and Mac maker - Apple, for standalone iStores. The first store, to be called iStore by Reliance Digital, will come up by October-end in Bangalore. The shop will occupy 2,000-square feet and is under construction now. Apple will invest in market development and the shops will be co-branded. Under the deal, Reliance will have standalone iStores, co-branded as “iStore by Reliance Digital”. Reliance Retail will open 10 iStores by the end of the calendar year. This is Reliance Retail’s first exclusive alliance with an international brand. This is the first time Apple is tying up with a big corporate house for distribution anywhere in the world.

Worldwide, Apple stores feature a theatre for presentations and workshops, a studio for training with Apple products, and a Genius Bar for technical support and repairs. Apple stores also offer free workshops to the public. Apple sells its products globally through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers and value-added resellers. In India currently Apple has few re-sellers.