Windhoek welcomes Africa's 7th Apple Premium store.

The store, operated by iStore, aims to offer a more immersive retail experience where customers can test devices and receive direct guidance from trained Apple specialists.

Southern Africa senior marketing manager Troy Griffin said the upgraded store is designed to bring customers closer to the Apple ecosystem through hands-on interaction and in-store training.

“We are excited to bring the seventh iStore Premium Partner store on the continent to Namibia,” Griffin said at the launch.

He explained that trained Apple experts will be available to guide customers through the store, offer group sessions and provide one-on-one training on how to use Apple products effectively.

The idea, he said, is to allow customers to “touch and feel the products” while learning how to get the most out of their devices.

“Our consultants will guide customers through the store and help them become familiar with their Apple products so that we can deliver the highest quality experience on an Apple device,” Griffin said.

Griffin said customers will be able to trade in older devices to reduce the cost of a new purchase. Other payment options include a four-month zero-interest lay-by arrangement, where customers pay equal instalments before collecting their device.

Device financing is also available through banks including First National Bank Namibia, Nedbank Namibia and Standard Bank Namibia, allowing customers to spread payments over longer periods.

“Now more than ever your next Apple device is at your fingertips,” Griffin said.

He noted that Namibia’s youthful and entrepreneurial demographic makes it an ideal market for Apple technology.

According to Griffin, students, young entrepreneurs and digital content creators are among the groups expected to benefit from easier access to Apple devices.

“We’ve got students, young entrepreneurs and a growing creator economy. We want to put tools in their hands that help bring those passions to life,” he said.

He added that the company hopes the devices will help students with their studies, assist creators producing digital content and support entrepreneurs launching new ventures.

The first Apple Premium Partner outlet in Africa was opened by iStore in Johannesburg in 2023. The concept itself debuted globally in 2022, with the world’s first store launched in Zurich.

phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na