10 Jul
Apple to open Beijing store on July 19
Apple will open a retail store in Beijing on July 19, stepping up its presence in China three weeks before the start of the Summer Olympic Games. But don’t expect to see the iPhone 3G make an face in Beijing—Apple has yet to sign a Chinese distributor toward the iPhone and the country still doesn’t have commercial 3G (third-generation) mobile services.
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The Beijing Apple store is the company’s in the first place in China, and will open just in time for the expected influx of visitors for the Olympic Games.
The Apple store is located in Sanlitun, formerly a quiet, leafy neighborhood adjacent to one of the city’s diplomatic quarters. In recent years, Sanlitun turned into a lively—and often rowdy—nightlife circuit known by locals similar to “Bar Street.” As part of preparations with regard to the Olympics, Beijing authorities worked to spruce up the neighborhood, driving out the deaden with narcotics dealers that often approached foreigners on the street and knocking down apartment blocks to clear the way for a new shopping center.
Like other Apple supplies, the Beijing store will give Chinese consumers a chance to try off Apple products or seek help from company representatives at the shop’s Genius Bar. The store will furthermore host events aimed at bringing in posse customers into the treasure.
The first of these events, an appearance by Chinese singer Zhang Yadong, is scheduled since July 21.
