It looks like Apple has finally started considering India as one of its important markets. The company is apparently planning to increase the number of exclusive franchisee stores in the country from the existing 65 stores to 200 stores by 2015, according to a report from The Economic Times. Franchisee Stores As Apple Stores? Citing three such unnamed franchisees, the report also mentions that Hugues Asseman, Apple's Vice President (Sales) for Europe, Middle-East, India, and Africa, has asked these franchisees to redesign these stores to match Apple's own retail stores in terms of layouts and fit-outs, saying that and the company will reimburse the entire cost to the franchisee. We believe this is particularly interesting considering that Apple has not opened any retail store of its own in the country. While reports had previously suggested that Apple was planning to launch an Apple Store in India last year after the Indian Government had allowed 100% FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in single brand retail stores, Apple CEO had later dismissed this as a rumor and the company has no such plans in India yet. Even if the company plans to open a retail store in India in the future, it would have to adhere to the 30% local sourcing clause in the regulations, which mandates companies to source at least 30% of the goods to be sold from local partners. With the company not producing any of its products in India, this could turn out to be a major roadblock for Apple to open a retail store in…
