Apple to open 50 new stores in 2010

Tech giant Apple has announced plans to build a further 40 to 50 retail stores next year as part of its plan to expand its customer base. Over half of the stores are expected to be located outside the US, according to senior vice president of retail, Ron Johnson. The company currently has 280 stores […]

Patrick Stafford 15 November, 2009

Tech giant Apple has announced plans to build a further 40 to 50 retail stores next year as part of its plan to expand its customer base.

Over half of the stores are expected to be located outside the US, according to senior vice president of retail, Ron Johnson. The company currently has 280 stores in 10 countries.

Apple stores have played a large part in the company’s good performance over the past few years, helping the rise of the iPod and iPhone devices. The company recorded 45.9 million store visitors during the September quarter – an increase of 7%.

The stores also recorded revenue of $US1.87 billion during the same quarter.

Meanwhile, new research from Strategy Analytics has found Apple has taken over Nokia as the most profitable handset vendor due to the success of the iPhone. Third quarter operating profit was $US1.6 billion, besting Nokia at $US1.1 billion.