Apple premium reseller iConnect is to make an €8 million investment in the Irish retail market with a multi-store launch planned for next year.
Owned by the Qatari- based Al Mana group, iConnect will launch its European division in the coming months by opening a number of stores here, before increasing its presence throughout Europe and in the Middle East.
Apple premium resellers stock everything from iPads to iPods to Mac computers, software and accessories.
"We strongly believe that Ireland, as an English speaking, pro-business economy within the euro zone, with a proven track-record in IT sales and development and one of the most skilled and highly-educated workforces in Europe, is the ideal launch-pad for our technology division," said John McEvoy, general manager of the division.
Added value
Mr McEvoy, who is from Strabane, said the Al Mana group's experience in providing premium products and services will provide significant added value to customers as iConnect launches and expands its retail footprint in Ireland.
Employing more than 3,000 people worldwide, and with assets of $1.2 billion, the Al Mana group’s turnover was $1.4 billion in 2011.
Last night Apple forecast sales for this quarter ahead of analysts’ projections.
Revenue will be $55 billion to $58 billion and gross margins will be 36.5 per cent to 37.5 per cent, it said in a statement. That compares with $55.5 billion and 38 per cent, the average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Profit for the third quarter fell 8.6 per cent to $7.51 billion.
–(Additional reporting: Bloomberg)
