Sustainable and creative: How Apple BKC Mumbai delights

01.08.2023

by Jennifer Meyer

On April 18, 2023, Apple opened its first store in India. In addition to the products themselves, the focus here is on the customer experience and service. The architecture and energy supply of the building are also remarkable.

The Apple BKC is in Mumbai's vibrant Bandra Kurla Complex, known for finance, arts, and entertainment. The store aims to be a dynamic place where visitors discover Apple's products and services.

At the opening event, in addition to the press, there were also numerous influencers. In their posts, they showed their admiration for the brand, CEO Tim Cook and the new Apple Store:

After so many positive reports, Elke Moebius – Director of EuroShop and EuroCIS – did not miss the opportunity to visit the Apple BKC when she was in Mumbai for In-store Asia at the end of April. Her impression of the store? "Here, the usual clear and elegant-minimalist Apple feel is combined with the extraordinary – definitely worth seeing!" She captured her personal insights exclusively for EuroShop.mag.

In-store Asia in Mumbai is the largest trade show on the Indian subcontinent for retail solutions and investments in store design, visual merchandising and in-store marketing. The expo – part of the EuroShop family of trade fairs – brings together all leading retail suppliers from India and surrounding countries under one roof.

The Apple Store in Mumbai, India from the outside; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

The Apple BKC impresses with its unique architecture. A handcrafted wooden ceiling made of more than 450,000 elements extends over the glass facade to the outer canopy’s underside.

A 14 meter long stainless steel staircase in the Apple Store; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

Upon entering the store, customers catch sight of two stone walls that originated in Rajasthan and a 14-meter stainless steel staircase that connects the first floor with the cantilevered mezzanine.

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A view from above into the sales area of the Apple Store; Copyright:Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

The Apple BKC Store was designed to be one of the most energy-efficient Apple Stores in the world. It has its own solar power system, which allows the store to operate completely without the use of fossil fuels. According to Apple, the store operates in a carbon-neutral manner and draws 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

The sales area of the Apple Store with many service employees in green T-shirts; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

"The service at the Apple BKC store was super competent and friendly. The team consists of over 100 employees who speak more than 20 languages: an impressive display of diversity," observed Elke Moebius.

A crowd listens during a "Today at Apple" session; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

To celebrate the local community and culture, Apple BKC is offering a special "Today at Apple" series called "Mumbai Rising" this summer. These free sessions are designed to bring together visitors, the local arts and creative scene and, of course, Apple products.

A view of the visitors in the Apple Store; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of retail, is excited, “Apple BKC is a reflection of Mumbai’s vibrant culture and brings together the best of Apple in a beautiful, welcoming space for connection and community.”

A selfie of Elke Moebius; Copyright: Elke Moebius/Messe Düsseldorf

Elke Moebius' conclusion: "The Apple BKC store is simply breathtaking! The handmade wooden ceiling and the modern architecture create an inviting atmosphere. Here, one likes to stay a little longer."