Apple opens a new store in Qibao. It sells Apple products

When the late Steve Jobs co-founded Apple back in 1976, he would never have imagined the global reach of his empire. Now in 2016, 40 years on from the company’s formation in a garage in Los Altos, California, Apple Stores can be found in 20 countries across five continents. These days you can find an Apple Store almost anywhere: Tokyo? Sure. Abu Dhabi? Definitely. Madrid? You know it. São Paulo? Yeah, buddy. Qibao Watertown in Shanghai’s Minhang District? For some reason, now, yes…

Apple Qibao, Shanghai’s seventh Apple Store and the 17th to open in China this year alone, is the latest local(ish) venue to cater for all your i-needs. The grand opening last Saturday saw Shanghai become the city that’s home to the most Apple Stores in the Asia-Pacific region. Congratulations, guys, we did it! In your face, Hong Kong!

The store is located near Qibao Old Town, a place that can now combine a rich thousand-plus year history with a convenient availability of MacBooks, iPods and those Apple Watches that your dad’s really into. The opening of the store was a sight to behold. After what seemed like hours of queuing, a mix of excited shoppers and press were greeted by Apple Qibao’s red-shirted army of employees who whipped the crowd up into a frenzy of Apple-based excitement.

‘Apple! Qibao! Apple! Qibao!’ was the cry from the Apple Qibao army, who seemed more like the ultras of a football club (at one point we thought they were going to start setting off flares) rather than the people who were going to sell you an iPad. ‘Who are we?’ shouted their hype man. ‘Apple!’ responded the enthusiastic employees. Upon opening, the army formed a sort of human tunnel and high-fived everyone on their way into the store. It had a sort of The Price is Right feel to it. ‘Apple shopper, come on down!’ It’s safe to say the Qibao staff – who impressively speak seven languages between them – are up for the challenge.

The store itself is basically your typical Apple retail outlet. It’s got that familiar minimalist, neutral, almost futuristic décor, they sell all that stuff you like, and they also offer handy tech support and product workshops. There’s also a cool area where you can try out new headphones and products of that nature.

We’ll admit that yes, this is just another Apple Store. You’ve probably been to them before and you’ll probably go to them again. However, if you’re from Qibao or the surrounding area, this is your best bet for all of your Apple desires. See full venue details for the latest store by clicking 'read more' below.

‘Apple! Qibao! Apple! Qibao!’