Apple’s anticipation for the debut of its first official retail store in Malaysia has been brewing since 2021. The tech giant has begun hiring for various retail roles in Malaysia and has been making strides towards establishing a significant presence in the country. An intriguing structure at TRX (Tun Razak Exchange) raised interest earlier this year, hinting at Apple’s impending store.
According to Bloomberg’s prominent Apple analyst, Mark Gurman, the grand opening of Malaysia’s inaugural Apple Store is now projected for February 2024.
Expanding its global footprint and enhancing its retail network, Apple is aiming for significant growth in China and other Asian markets. The company is set to launch 15 new stores in the Asia Pacific region, 5 in Europe and the Middle East, along with an additional 4 outlets in North America by 2027. Furthermore, Apple has plans to revamp or relocate six stores in Asia, 9 in Europe, and 13 in North America. This concerted effort signifies Apple’s intention to open, relocate, or remodel a total of 53 stores worldwide over the next four years.
Having inaugurated its first store in India in April 2023, Apple is taking a similar stride in Malaysia. The report reveals Apple’s upcoming store at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur is expected to welcome customers in February 2024. This announcement comes after the inauguration of two new stores in South Korea in December 2023.
The Asia-Pacific region is a pivotal market for Apple, contributing a substantial revenue of approximately USD 130 billion (around RM597 billion) last year. Presently, Apple boasts three retail stores in Singapore and two in Thailand. The tech giant has initiated the hiring process for 11 retail positions in Malaysia, including roles such as Senior Manager, Manager, Store Leader, and Genius.
As Apple continues its global expansion and strategic store openings, the anticipated launch of its first official store in Malaysia is poised to mark a significant milestone in the company’s presence within the Asia-Pacific region.
