Russian media write that Apple's official retailers in Russia, re:Store and iPort, have begun to close their stores.
Why?
Close unprofitable storesredistribute Apple equipment, which has become scarce due to sanctions, between other, more profitable points. So, eight re:Store outlets in Moscow and some in the regions - St. Petersburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk and other cities are “temporarily closed”. iPort "temporarily closed for technical reasons" four stores in St. Petersburg.
There are several reasons for this, experts say.First, there is a shortage of equipment: according to estimates, stocks will last only until the third quarter. Secondly, the decline in demand for smartphones: sales of smartphones in Russia in April decreased by 30%, according to retailers, and buyers prefer budget models rather than expensive iPhones.
In this case, re:Store is not just reducing the network, but is trying to negotiate with the owners of the premises for rental holidays and discounts. Where it is not possible to agree, these points are likely to be permanently closed.
At the same time, re:Store and iPort are still afraid to sell equipment imported under the parallel import scheme, because they hope for a resumption of relations with Apple.