Apple has modernized its “megamarket” in Beijing, which has earned criticism of US authorities

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Apple has modernized its “megamarket” in Beijing, which has earned the criticism of US authorities

Twelve years ago, Apple opened its first company store in China in a prestigious area of ​​Beijing, and this year it was doubled in size and seriously modernized. For the first time, solar panels have been placed on the roof of Apple’s Chinese store, allowing it to use electricity from renewable sources.

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Apple is still heavily dependent on China for manufacturing because its contractors are concentrated here. In the Chinese domestic smartphone market, Apple is content with fifth place and 10% share, but in absolute terms, the sales volumes are large enough to pay special attention to the local market.

The opening of the renovated store in Beijing even drew criticism from US Attorney General William Barr against Apple and some other companies that are willing to play by the Chinese rules. The Attorney General himself accused Apple of excessive compliance in forming relations with the “Chinese Communists.”

In the renovated store in the prestigious shopping area of ​​Beijing, Apple has provided several zones: one can hold conferences and presentations, the other can acquaint customers with goods and serve them, the third allows you to enjoy the view from panoramic windows 10 meters high over the adjacent square. In this part of the store, there is even a long bench for contemplating what is happening outside.

Materials of Chinese origin were used in the construction and decoration of the new store. Natural stone, panoramic glass, the wood used in the decoration – all these materials are sourced from different regions of the PRC. For the first time for local Apple retail outlets, solar panels are located on the store’s roof, allowing the store to be fully supplied with electricity. For its properties in China, Apple uses enough renewable electricity to supply 450,000 households a year.

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For twelve years, the previous version of the store managed to receive more than 22 million visitors, which is comparable to the population of Beijing itself. Previously, the store had 52 employees, now their number will be increased to 185 people. The opening of a new store took place in compliance with all sanitary precautions: input temperature control, mask mode, and maintaining social distance.