Apple to open second flagship store in China

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Apple Inc will open its second flagship store in China, in the heart of Shanghai's financial district on Saturday, the company said on Thursday.

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The retail outlet, featuring a 40-foot glass cylindrical wall, is located near Shanghai's famous Oriental Pearl Tower.

"We are thrilled to open the first of many new stores in China in this incredible location," Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice-president for retail operations, said in a statement.

The company opened its first China store in 2008 in Beijing. Apple products are currently sold in China through resellers, this is the company second direct-selling outlet.

Apple, which makes popular electronic devices such as the iPhone and iPad, competes in an extremely price-conscious market. Due to the long lead time for Apple to bring products to China, consumers often turn to the gray market for smuggled Apple goods or buy pirated versions.

Lenovo Group Chairman Liu Chuanzhi was quoted as saying earlier this month that Apple was missing out on the opportunity to further expand in China.

China Unicom is the only mobile operator to sell the iPhone in China, although rivals such as China Mobile have previously expressed interest in offering the smartphone.